With the countdown to Hanukkah already underway, what better time to look at some of the extraordinary ways the quintessential symbol of the Festival of Lights has been reimagined as an objet de art, at times playful, but always creative. If you have not yet found your own personal platonic ideal of a menorah, then look to our round-up below.

Michael Aram Lotus Blossom Menorah

Michael Aram Lotus Blossom Menorah

This handcrafted nickel-plate menorah composed of graceful, intertwined lotus blossoms displays the nature motif so central to Aram’s work and would make a beautiful and elegant centerpiece. The delicate stems are reminiscent of Tim Burton’s artwork.

Pipe Menorah

Pipe Menorah

Bringing industrial style to the holiday, this menorah crafted from galvanized steel pipes comes to us from modern Renaissance man Joe Grand- an electrical engineer/hacker/inventor-cum-author/computer security guru/president of the San Francisco-based Grand Idea Studios.

The Jewish Museum Menorahmorph in Blue by Karim Rashid

The Jewish Museum Menorahmorph in Blue by Karim Rashid

The Jewish Museum in New York commissioned this appropriately titled silicone menorah in honor of its centennial in 2004. Also available in orange and lime, this signature piece will be immediately familiar to anyone acquainted with Rashid’s work.

Concrete Menorah from ceMMent Design

Concrete Menorah

Concrete Menorah (redux)

Israeli-born designer Marit Meisler founded ceMMent Design to showcase her innovative creations, which are made–intuitively enough–of cement. This adaptable cement and stainless steel menorah can be configured in any number of ways, making it an incredibly versatile choice.

Candorah Candle Holder by Michelle Ivankovic for Umbra

Candorah Candle Holder by Michelle Ivankovic for Umbra

Menorah designed by Marilyn Davidson for Nambé

Menorah designed by Marilyn Davidson for Nambé

The clean lines of this simple and elegant menorah made of Nambé’s signature metal would complement any décor.

Jonathan Adler Utopia Man/Woman Menorah

Jonathan Adler Utopia Man/Woman Menorah

Finally, a reversible menorah! This set of nine distinctive pieces made of high fired brown stoneware with a high gloss sheer white glaze can be turned to reveal either a passel of glasses-wearing hipsters accompanied by rosy cheeked lasses, or a bevy of mustachioed older gentlemen with their elegantly coiffed-and-necklaced female counterparts. Or, mix and match!

Posted by Jocelyn Kwiatkowski

Tags: Hanukkah, Jocelyn Kwiatkowski, menorah, modern