Mid Century Israeli Neo Ancient Verdigris Bronze Menorah Pitcher Appraisal

Mid-Century Israeli Neo-Ancient Verdigris Bronze Menorah Pitcher

This decorative brass or bronze pitcher is a quintessential example of mid-20th-century Israeli 'Neo-Ancient' or souvenir art, likely manufactured between 1950 and 1970. The vessel features a flattened, disc-shaped body (ampulla silhouette) with a flared scalloped rim and a matching pedestal foot. Elaborate scrolled handles are attached to the neck. The surface is treated with a heavy, artificially applied green verdigris patina to mimic archaeological artifacts recovered from the Mediterranean. Centered on the body is a circular repoussé emblem featuring a seven-branched Menorah, referencing the State of Israel emblem. The central motif is surrounded by a raised border of grapevine clusters and scrolling foliage, a common motif in Biblical and Zionist art. The craftsmanship displays die-stamped or cast elements joined by soldering. Condition-wise, the piece appears structurally sound with intentional mottling in the patina; however, there is some uneven wear and surface scratching that reveals the warm yellow metal beneath the green finish. The scalloped edges show minor irregular wear consistent with age and display but no significant structural deformation. This style of metalwork was popularized by companies like Oppenheim or Nordia in the early decades of the State of Israel.