Object Details
Artist
Abrasha, born The Hague, Netherlands 1948
Luce Center Label
The Hanukkah Menorah has eight branches of equal height and a ninth, taller branch for the shamash, or "servant light," used to light the others. The Hanukkah holiday commemorates the rededication of the Hebrew Temple of Jerusalem after it was destroyed by the Syrians in 165 BC. Abrasha's menorah conforms to Jewish law by burning wicks in olive oil instead of candles. Hinges allow the piece to be arranged in different ways, and the gold, silver, and stainless steel provide a play of different colors under the light of the wicks.
Luce Object Quote
"My work now is contemporary, geometric, and simple in style and feeling . . . I usually combine two or three different materials to create tension between them and their colors in my designs." Artist quoted in American Craft Museum Catalogue, 1992
Credit Line
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James Renwick Alliance and the artist in memory of the artist's father, Solomon David Staszewski
Copyright
© 1995, Abrasha
Date
1995
Object number
1996.36A-J
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Decorative Arts
Crafts
Medium
fabricated stainless steel, sterling silver, and 24k gold
Dimensions
overall: 6 7/8 x 17 1/4 x 3 7/8 in. (17.5 x 43.8 x 9.8 cm)
See more items in
Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
Department
Renwick Gallery
Data Source
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
saam_1996.36A-J