LIGHTS DIM AND BRIGHT

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 52, 24 November 1928, Page 27

LIGHTS DIM AND BRIGHT

THE STORY OF THE LAMPS

Originally, one reads, candlesticks were made from bark, tendrils of vines or wood tied together, dipped in tallow, or poured, in the case of wax, and held in the hand (says a writer in the Melbourne “Age”). In Paris in the thirteenth century candle - makers went from house to house to supply the needs of the householders with their wares of tallow. Candles formed of wax were used in churches In the middle ages. After the fifteenth century this substance became less expensive and was more generally used-in the place of the not altogether satisfactory tallow. , During or before the fourteenth century the cup was invented to catch the grease. One wonders if a woman, driven to despair by the countless spots alighting on her furniture, or a man, wearied by complaints, fashioned the sensible device. The forms and decorations of candlesticks have undergone changes. Severity of outline and simplicity of ornamentation banished elaborate presentations of animals, cupids, and the gods of mythology. The an-tique-collector of this age eagerly welcomes the chance to acquire the silver candlestick with the broad base and tall stem of the Georgian period. Some of the most gifted men and fairest ladles immortalised in English literature have dined in chambers lit by softly - diffused lights from massive candlesticks. The enamel, which is the acme of severity In form, the fine china, the tall-stemmed crystal candlesticks, and the cream and brown pottery ware (with inscriptions such as “Many are called but few get up”) are brought forth when the electric light fails. From candlesticks one’s thoughts turn to lamps. Moses was commanded to make a candlestick for the Tabernacle. In this instance the word candlestick means a lamp stand. This exquisite work made of pure beaten gold with bowls to represent the fruit and delicate traceries outlining the blossoms of the almond tree consisted of a central stem, from which three branches rose to the same height on each side. In Solomon’s day this heirloom of the Jews was placed in the temple. After the Romans had conquered Jerusalem the candlestick was taken by them to the City of the Seven Hills. In Rome the design of the candlestick

was extensively copied, but in the case of the reproduction placed on the Arch of Titus the figures on the base are Roman. Lamps taken from graves in Palestine which were placed there before the Israelites took possession of that country showed clearly the steps to the perfected articles.

The earliest clay lamps were open, with rounded bases and portions of the rims pinched to hold the wicks. The next improvements were the addition of spouts made by drawing the extreme ends closely together. Lamps with flattened bases and similar in shape to the foregoing articles are used in Syria to-day. Closed lamps entirely plain in shape and bare of ornamentation were known before the potters began to model the clay used for these conveniences into shapes of birds or animals. In the homes of the poorer class in Palestine the lamps were placed in niches in the walls. One gathers from this that among the wealthy members of the community stands for lamps were not unknown. Excavations in the Island of Crete have revealed the existence of lamp stands made of stone, which were 30 inches in height. Lamps were known to be in constant use in the fourth century in Greece. They were made of terra-cotta, with a nozzle to hold the wick in the centre, a hole down which the oil was poured, and a handle. Lamps fashioned of metals were commonly used for religious rites by the ancient races. A lamp of gold on the Acropolis of A thens, refilled once a year, at the same time served as a means by which the flight of days could be reckoned. In front of the statue of the god Hermes was placed a marble altar, to which lamps of bronze were attached. The suppliant approached at eventide, lit the lamps, placed a coin in the right hand of the statue, whispered his request in the ear of the god, and closed his own ears. The first sound that was heard outside was an omen. One wonders how one would interpret the babble of sounds heard in a modern . city if that procedure were followed today. Lamps were frequently given for birthday presents in Greece. Even in this age one feels drawn to present a gift that would lighten the hours of darkness for a friend. The children of to-day miss the touch Of romance lent to a tea-table by the painted lamp globes which depicted quaintly-coloured scenes of rural life. ■