Damascene Work

A unique and interesting item in our collection is a Sabbath lamp for the synagogue, decorated with silver and copper. The lamp is richly ornamented with two ring inscriptions in honor of the Sabbath and the sanctity of festivals.

Damascene work, which characterizes this lamp, is considered an ancient craft done by inlaying a strip of metal or length of wire into different type of metal. Usually, gold or silver wire is inlaid into bronze, copper, iron or steel. The design is first engraved in grooves and a hammer is then used to inlay the wire. The work was done by men and women; men usually did the engravement, while women inlayed the wire.

Magnificent works of damascene craftsmanship were done in the department of copper in the Bezalel Arts and Crafts School in Jerusalem. The department, established in 1909 and headed by Avraham Asher Baradon, offered tables, Passover plates, jewelry boxes, Etrog boxes, glasses, ashtrays and more. The department flourished and grew. Their success led them to display their works in exhibitions around the world.