Sculpted Chanukah Menorah with Porcelain Crystals & 24k Gold

This sculpted Chanukah menorah is a one-of-a-kind work of functional art, crafted with care and precision in Israel. Formed from dark stoneware clay, the cavernous structure was hand-built, and each porcelain crystal was individually sculpted and carefully attached before the piece underwent its first bisque firing. After the initial firing, the menorah was glazed: the pool-like base in glossy turquoise, the crystals coated in clear glaze to preserve their luminosity, and the surrounding surface finished with a black underglaze wash to deepen the contrast and depth. Following the glaze firing, I hand-painted 24k gold within the crystal-studded cave and around the base of each of the other crystals, then brushed the upper portion of each porcelain crystal with mother of pearl lustre. A final lustre firing sealed the surface, leaving an iridescent shimmer that glows in the shifting light. When kindled, the menorah casts shadows across the wall that resemble a gathering of figures in motion – a community formed by flame and absence, flickering between presence and disappearance. This imagery reflects the enduring search for beauty within adversity, and the way light insists on breaking through darkness. Created through multiple firings, layered finishes, and the union of raw ceramic with refined embellishments, this menorah is both a ritual object and a sculptural meditation. It embodies fragility and resilience, concealment and revelation, making it not only a vessel for holiday light but a functional art heirloom of meaning and permanence, to be cherished across generations. Beyond Chanukah, its sculptural presence makes it a striking artwork to display year-round, a reminder of light unearthed from within darkness. Care Instructions: To remove wax, pour hot (not boiling) water gently over the base. Hand-wash carefully in warm, soapy water. Do not place the piece upside down or rest it on the crystals.