Hanukkah lamp c. 20th century

This Hanukkah lamp was crafted by an anonymous artist. I’m immediately drawn to its small size and the warmth of the brass. Imagine the maker’s hands shaping this piece. It’s not just about function; it’s about creating a beacon of light, a symbolic gesture. The repeated quatrefoil shapes evoke a sense of rhythm, a delicate dance between solidity and void. You can see how the light would have flickered through those tiny windows. The little feet holding it up off the ground seem precarious, giving it a humble quality. I think of the artist, maybe hunched over a workbench, carefully soldering each piece, imbuing it with intention. It sits there, waiting to be lit, connecting us to centuries of tradition.