A RARE SILVER HANUKAH LAMP, PROBABLY GALICIA, early 19TH CENTURY

the backplate composed of a central snake intertwined with leafy branches, fronted by a pierced gallery fitted with eight removable flower-shaped oil receptacles, set on four claw feet, struck with quality mark 12

good condition
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The snake may appear as a symbol of eternity and redemption in Jewish art.  The use of this motif on a Hanukah lamp is significant as the festival marks the re-dedication of the Temple, representing the re-emergence of the Jewish state.

The snake motif appears on a number of Hanukah lamps, although not usually as a central symbol, as in the present lot. Examples include a monumental Hanukah lamp from Galicia or the Ukraine, formerly in the Furman collection and sold at Sotheby's New York, December 12, 2000, lot 89 and on another Galician lamp illustrated in Suzanne Landau, Architecture in the Hanukah Lamp, Jerusalem, 1978, no. 55.

The snake motif also appears on the handles of Esther scroll cases (see Sotheby's Tel Aviv, 30 October 2002, lot 176 and lot 82 in this sale) and on the stems of Polish spice boxes.