Hanukkah Lamp

The elegant floral scrollwork on this lamp is framed by a cast arch supported by two columns. This is reminiscent of a group of Italian lamps with cast and applied round arches, although none have the openwork of this example. The connections between North African and Italian Jews is well-documented, and it is possible that the concept of a lamp with a round arch originated in Italy, although local inspiration is also conceivable. Several types of Moroccan lamps have applied columns, either of the smooth or twisted variety, and this type of openwork decoration of floral vines appears to have been popular in Fez. Thus, production in North Africa seems likely for this lamp.
The lamp was owned by a Moshe Karoub, who had his name inscribed in the center. At his death, the abbreviation for the expression "May he rest in peace" was added above his name; this is clearly written in a different hand.