Chanukah lamp c. 1920

This Hanukkah lamp, made of silver, is an anonymous creation that now resides at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Think of the hands that crafted this lamp, bending and shaping the metal into such intricate filigree patterns. I like the way the cylindrical candle holders are suspended within this architecture of swirling silver. It's as though the light itself is being held within a delicate structure. You can see floral motifs, and geometric shapes, tiny spheres topping each of the towers—it feels both precise and organic. Making something like this requires such patience, skill, and an eye for detail. What I love about folk art like this is how it speaks to the ingenuity and creativity inherent in human expression. It's part of a conversation across time, where each maker builds upon the traditions and innovations of those who came before. It's a reminder that art is not just about grand statements, but also about the quiet acts of making that connect us to one another.