Most families put their own unique spins on holiday traditions and see them evolve over time. Similarly, modern artists bring their own artistic styles and contemporary trends to traditional holiday decorations. Hanukkah menorahs are fantastic examples. Throughout the 20th century, many prominent sculptors and designers created menorahs that fit with popular art movements, such as brutalism or mid-century modern design, or that reflected their personal styles.

This enormous wrought-iron menorah, which stands more than 42 inches tall, was designed by Judith Brown in 1979 and recently sold for $1,800 at Auctions at Showplace. The nine narrow branches, one for each of the eight nights and one for the shamash (“helper”) candle to light the others, are nearly hidden by the swirling lines and shapes that suggest stylized vines, flowers, and leaves. Brown (1932-1992) was a dancer before becoming a sculptor, and her sense of movement carried through to her monumental metalworks.

With each night of Hanukkah, the flickering candlelight may enhance the effect of this menorah. The twining lines and twisting shapes make the limbs and vines seem to twist, the leaves flutter, and the flowers sway, even as they stand perfectly still. Brown was also known for sculptures of horses, draped human figures that appeared to be in motion, and abstract figures. Another famous sculpture of hers is a Noah’s ark that seems to balance precariously on its base, as if tossed by ocean waves.

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Q: My wife inherited her grandmother’s fine china. It is the Rose Garden pattern by Empress China from Japan, and the mark on the back has the number “920.” I cannot find any information on the 920 style. We would like more information on our china set and would love to have the teapot for the collection. Can you tell us where to find more information about the pattern and where we can get more pieces?

A: Empress China is often listed as “Empress (Japan)” to distinguish it from the many other companies that used “Empress” as a brand or pattern name. It was sold by the Charles Sadek Import Company, which was founded in 1936. To find your teapot, you may want to contact a pattern-matching service like Replacements, Ltd., Classic Replacements, or Missing Pieces. Even if they do not have the item you need in stock, they may have further information. Of course, you can also search online on sites like eBay and Etsy. If you use social media, buy/sell groups, especially if they focus on antiques or tableware, or dinnerware collectors’ groups, may be able to help you.

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Q: I got an interesting-looking wooden bingo tumbler at an estate sale. There is a solid wood centerpiece shaped like an urn between two posts. The wood is dark, probably mahogany. When you push a brass lever, the center piece turns and dispenses a bingo ball. Do you know how old this bingo tumbler is and what it might be worth?

A: Bingo tumblers like yours were made in the Victorian period, or mid- to late-19th century. Dark woods, especially mahogany, were favored for furniture and decorative arts at the time. However, bingo was not popularized in the U.S. until the 1920s. While your tumbler can definitely be used for bingo, it might be more accurate to call it a lotto or lottery tumbler. Bingo is derived from the game of lotto, which has been played in Europe since at least the 1500s. Your tumbler could also be used for lottery drawings or many other games of chance, which have existed well before Victorian times. Similar antique tumblers have sold at auctions for about $150.

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TIP: To remove wax from a Hanukkah menorah or another candleholder with small candle cups, run hot water in the holes or use a hair dryer to warm the metal, then remove the wax with cotton swabs.

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Kovels answers readers’ questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures: the object and a close-up of any marks or damage. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel product. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We do not guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. Questions that are answered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th Street, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10019, or email us at collectorsgallery@kovels.com.

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CURRENT PRICES

Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.

Judaica, dreidel, wood, carved, inlaid brass letters, 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches, $40.

Silver plate, coffeepot, lid, scrolled handle, on stand, tilting, top handle, pierced supports, round base, raised flowers and leaves, four-footed, quadruple plated, Meriden, 21 inches, $65.

Inkwell, bronze, urn shape, lid, flower finial, raised Chinoiserie band, mask and ring handles, square undertray, scalloped corners, four shaped feet, Continental, c. 1900, 5 3/4 x 6 1/2 inches, $95.

Lladro, figurine, Hanukkah Lights, young boy, lying down, spotted dog, sitting, blue menorah on small table, lit candle, marked, Francisco Polope, 4 1/2 inches, $100.

Teddy bear, mohair, golden brown, glass eyes, stitched nose, jointed arms and legs, 1920s, 17 inches, $125.

Compact, enamel, picnic scene, man, woman, child, in garden, shaped rim, interior mirror, chain, silver tone, marked, Alpacca, Continental, 20th century, 2 1/2 x 3 inches, $350.