Vintage Moroccan Copper Hanukkah Candle Menorah, Jewish Judaica, Circa 1950.

Details

Description

Vintage Moroccan Copper Hanukkah Candle Menorah, Jewish Judaica, circa 1950.
An exceptional vintage Moroccan Jewish Hanukkah menorah, or Hanukkiah, handcrafted … Read more Vintage Moroccan Copper Hanukkah Candle Menorah, Jewish Judaica, circa 1950.
An exceptional vintage Moroccan Jewish Hanukkah menorah, or Hanukkiah, handcrafted in copper with elaborate pierced openwork, chased decoration, and traditional North African Judaica motifs. Dating to approximately 1950, this distinctive ceremonial piece reflects the artistic heritage and skilled metalworking traditions of Morocco's historic Jewish communities.

The architectural backplate features an elegant arched silhouette crowned by a pierced six-pointed Star of David, or Magen David. Intricate hand-engraved geometric patterns, scrolling foliage, stylized birds, and pomegranate-like motifs embellish the copper surface, while triangular and square piercings create a striking decorative composition.

A charming bird finial perched on the upper right adds sculptural character, recalling traditional bird imagery found in Moroccan and Sephardic Jewish ceremonial art.

The projecting lower shelf features eight circular candle openings, one for each night of Hanukkah. An additional elevated candleholder on the upper left serves as the shamash, or servant light, traditionally used to light the eight candles. The menorah is designed to accommodate candles directly in its openings without separate oil cups or inserts.

The original wall-hanging attachment remains on the reverse, allowing the piece to be displayed as an architectural wall-mounted Judaica object or presented standing on a shelf.

The warm reddish-copper finish displays naturally developed oxidation, areas of aged verdigris, and a rich patina that accentuates the intricate hand-worked decoration.

An evocative example of mid-20th-century Moroccan Jewish folk art, this collectible Hanukkah menorah combines religious symbolism with the geometric ornamentation of traditional North African metalwork. Its unusual architectural form and elaborate decoration make it especially appealing to collectors of Sephardic Judaica, Moroccan antiques, Jewish ceremonial art, and handcrafted Mediterranean decorative objects.

Details

Origin: Morocco, North Africa

Period: Mid-20th century

Date: Circa 1950

Materials: Copper and metal

Techniques: Handcrafted, pierced, chased, and engraved metalwork

Dimensions: 12 in. H × 10.25 in. W × 2 in. D

Condition: Good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear, oxidation, and naturally developed patina. No separate candle cups are required by the design. See less