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Abrasha, Hanukkah Menorah, 1995, fabricated stainless steel, sterling silver, and 24k gold, overall: 6 7⁄8 x 17 1⁄4 x 3 7⁄8 in. (17.5 x 43.8 x 9.8 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of the James Renwick Alliance and the artist in memory of the artist’s father, Solomon David Staszewski, 1996.36A-J, © 1995, Abrasha
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Hanukkah Menorah
- Artist
- Date
- 1995
- Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- overall: 6 7⁄8 x 17 1⁄4 x 3 7⁄8 in. (17.5 x 43.8 x 9.8 cm)
- Markings
- on leg support of tallest tower: ASI (in a box) (artist's monogram) 1995
- Copyright
- © 1995, Abrasha
- Credit Line
- Gift of the James Renwick Alliance and the artist in memory of the artist’s father, Solomon David Staszewski
- Mediums Description
- fabricated stainless steel, sterling silver, and 24k gold
- Classifications
- Object Number
- 1996.36A-J
Artwork Description
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