**Originally Listed At $800**

Near East, Arabian Peninsula, Yemen, ca. 19th to 20th century CE. A pleasing Hanukkah lamp carved from dark stone or schist to present in the form of an 8-pointed star. The symmetrical vessel displays a central socketing hole to be placed on a stand surrounded by 8 spouts. The use of stone - a material "which is not susceptible to impurity" - in the making of Hanukkah lamps represents the vestiges of an ancient practice. Stone symbolizes time, tradition, and nobility. The choice of stone rather than shiny metal also stemmed from reasons of modesty, to avoid antagonizing the Arab neighbors. For the same reason, the exteriors of Jewish houses in Yemen were made to look humble, and Jewish women would wear jewelry mainly at home or conceal it under the folds of their garments. Size: 7.8" L x 6.8" W x 2" H (19.8 cm x 17.3 cm x 5.1 cm)

At times, the names of the owners or craftsmen would be inscribed on the lamps. These were in all likelihood made by a family patriarch, and were then handed down from one generation to the next. Such practices of inheritance were customary among Yemenite Jews, as well as among the Jews of southern Morocco.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA; ex-Apollo Art Auctions, London, United Kingdom, January 28, 2024, lot 557; ex-property of a West London gentleman; ex-collection formed on the United Kingdom / International art market in the 1990s

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#184489

Some chips to rim and points of star as well as losses to interior central rim and wall of one spout. Nicks and abrasions as shown. Otherwise, nice presentation with rich patina and encrustations to surface.