Object numberM2015/039
DescriptionLarge wrought-iron cast seven-branch candelabrum or menorah, painted gold brass. Made in Australia by donor's (Esther Keller) father for George Keller, her husband's 50th birthday. Alexsander Gellen (father) was born in Hungary. A technician by trade, metal working was his hobby.
The seven candleholders are formed as a foliage shape and iconographically, the most interesting feature of the candlestick is a snake spiralled over the bottom part of the stick's foot. Although the donor stated at the time of the donation that she didn't know the significance of the snake nor why her father chose the candelabrum to have seven branches, it is likely that both features relate to Judaism. The seven-branched candelabrum, Menorah, being the ancient symbol of Jewish people displays an interesting appearance, ie. cascading levels of the branches. Traditionally, Jewish candlesticks, whether a symbolic menorah or the Festival of Lights' Channukiah (9-branched candelabrum) are made (and depicted) with the branches formed in an even top line.
The seven candleholders are formed as a foliage shape and iconographically, the most interesting feature of the candlestick is a snake spiralled over the bottom part of the stick's foot. Although the donor stated at the time of the donation that she didn't know the significance of the snake nor why her father chose the candelabrum to have seven branches, it is likely that both features relate to Judaism. The seven-branched candelabrum, Menorah, being the ancient symbol of Jewish people displays an interesting appearance, ie. cascading levels of the branches. Traditionally, Jewish candlesticks, whether a symbolic menorah or the Festival of Lights' Channukiah (9-branched candelabrum) are made (and depicted) with the branches formed in an even top line.
Production date 1960 - 1960
Object namemenorahs
Materialiron
Dimensions
- height: 730.00 mm
width: 550.00 mm
depth: 290.00 mm
weight: 6.00 kg
Credit lineSydney Jewish Museum Collection, Donated byEsther and eorgd George Keller