One Modern Walnut Menorah
- Handcrafted One Modern Walnut Menorah made from a single piece of solid walnut
- Extraordinary, one‑of‑a‑kind walnut grain with dramatic natural movement
- Clean, minimalist silhouette with crisp edges and a smooth, uninterrupted surface
- Nickel‑plated candle cups fitted by hand for a refined, contemporary contrast
- Artist‑signed underside
- Made individually in Edward Inks’ studio; no two menorahs are ever alike
- Finished to highlight the natural depth and character of the walnut
- Dimensions: just over 12″ long, just under 1″ wide, 2.25″ high
- Holds standard Hanukkah candles (not included)
One Modern Walnut Menorah
The One Modern Walnut Menorah is a minimalist, architectural interpretation of a traditional ritual object, crafted from a single piece of walnut with exceptionally expressive grain. This menorah is defined by its simplicity: a clean, linear form that allows the natural beauty of the wood to take center stage. The grain on this particular board is extraordinary—rich, dramatic, and full of movement—making the One Modern Walnut Menorah truly one‑of‑one. Even among handmade pieces, where each object is inherently unique, this menorah stands apart for the depth and character of its walnut.
The silhouette is intentionally simple: a long, narrow body with crisp edges and a smooth, uninterrupted surface. This pared‑down geometry gives the One Modern Walnut Menorah a quiet sculptural presence, allowing it to feel both contemporary and timeless. The nickel‑plated candle cups introduce a subtle brightness, offering a refined contrast to the warmth of the walnut. Their placement forms a steady rhythm across the top surface, adding structure without disrupting the simplicity of the design. The result is a menorah that feels modern yet grounded, elegant yet understated.
This menorah begins with the careful selection of lumber, and this particular board was chosen specifically for its dramatic grain. Walnut varies widely in tone and pattern, but this piece offered a rare combination of clarity, contrast, and movement. The grain shifts like brushstrokes, with areas of deep chocolate brown, lighter golden streaks, and subtle figure that catches the light. Once selected, the wood is cut, shaped, and sanded entirely by hand. The goal is not to impose a design onto the material, but to refine the form so the wood’s natural character can speak for itself.
Each menorah is handcrafted by Edward Inks, a sculptor and former university professor with more than 30 years of teaching and exhibiting experience across the United States. Edward holds an MFA in sculpture from Carnegie Mellon University and spent time in Botswana as a Peace Corps volunteer, a reflection of his lifelong commitment to care and service. This menorah series began with encouragement from his wife and creative partner, Andrea, who was born and raised Jewish. Andrea collaborated with Edward on the earliest kinetic design and continues to offer thoughtful insight and perspective as the work evolves, while each new menorah is developed and refined in Edward’s studio with his characteristic craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Because this menorah is made from a single, highly unique board, it is the only one of its kind. The grain patterns, tonal variations, and natural markings cannot be reproduced, even if another piece were made to the same dimensions. The underside is artist‑signed, and the overall form is designed to feel timeless—something that honors tradition while embracing a clean, contemporary aesthetic. The One Modern Walnut Menorah is not part of a series or batch; it exists as a singular expression of material and craft.
At just over 12 inches long, just under 1 inch wide, and 2.25 inches high, this menorah has a compact, elegant footprint that fits beautifully on a mantel, bookshelf, dining table, or sideboard. Its narrow width gives it a refined, almost minimalist presence, while the height provides enough lift to catch the candlelight without feeling imposing. Whether displayed year‑round or brought out specifically for Hanukkah, it reads as both a functional ritual object and a sculptural piece of art.
The surface is finished smooth to highlight the natural depth of the walnut, allowing the grain to remain the visual focus. The result is a menorah that feels warm, grounded, and deeply personal—an object shaped by hand, guided by the material, and made to be cherished for generations. For those who appreciate craftsmanship, natural beauty, and the quiet power of a truly unique piece, the One Modern Walnut Menorah offers a meaningful and enduring expression of tradition.
Care
To maintain the beauty of your menorah, wipe the wood with a soft, dry cloth and avoid water or cleaning sprays. For conditioning, we recommend Howard Feed‑N‑Wax, which, as your care guide notes, “beautifies and nourishes the wood; keeping it from drying out.”
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Managing Wax Drips
Using dripless candles is the simplest way to reduce wax mess. Drafts can cause a flame to lean and melt the rim of the candle, leading to drips — a flickering flame is the main sign of a draft. Position the menorah away from breezes for a steadier burn.
Even when labeled “dripless,” candles can still drip under certain conditions such as drafts or uneven burning. Please use them with care. These are some high‑quality, elegant dripless candles that we’ve found to perform well: Dripless Hanukkah Candles →
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If dripless candles aren’t available, you can protect the surface by applying a very thin coat of oil to the wood before lighting, or by using paper drip protectors or small pieces of foil around each candle cup.
