Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Ivory Red Seaform with Black Lip Wrap
Medium: Hand Blown Glass
Dimensions: 9.25" x 20.75" x 13"
Year: 1983
Inscription: Signed and dated on underside
Documentation: Includes gallery certificate of authenticity
Dale Chihuly's "Ivory Red Seaform with Black Lip Wrap" (1983) is a striking example of the artist's masterful use of color and form in hand-blown glass. Measuring an impressive 20.75" h × 13" w × 9.25" d, this large-scale seaform captivates with its bold contrasts and dynamic color application. The translucent clear glass is beautifully enhanced by the rich ivory base, creating a sense of fluidity and lightness that recalls the natural beauty of oceanic forms.
The deep red accents swirl organically through the piece, adding warmth and depth, while the contrasting black lip wrap at the top of the seaform grounds the composition with a dramatic finish. The red and black details are applied with remarkable precision, highlighting Chihuly's unparalleled ability to manipulate glass to create vibrant color contrasts and intricate patterns that flow seamlessly across the surface.
The size of the piece further amplifies its impact, allowing the viewer to appreciate every curve and detail. The fluid, organic shape of the seaform feels both dynamic and alive, evoking the movement of the sea. Chihuly's signature technique of layering color and form invites an exploration of the interplay between transparency and opacity, light and shadow.
Signed and dated on the underside, "Ivory Red Seaform with Black Lip Wrap" is a testament to Chihuly's innovation in glass art, showcasing his unique ability to transform raw material into a masterpiece of color, shape, and emotion.
Includes gallery certificate of authenticity.
About Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly, born on September 20, 1941, in Tacoma, Washington, is a pioneering American glass artist known for transforming the medium of glass into a vibrant, sculptural form that challenges traditional norms. Chihuly's interest in glass began during his time at the University of Washington, where he studied interior design before discovering the art of glassblowing. In 1968, he was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to study at the Royal College of Art in London, which led to his deep immersion in glassmaking techniques.
Throughout the 1970s, Chihuly developed a revolutionary approach to glass art by moving away from the traditional vessel forms of glassblowing. He embraced irregular shapes, vibrant colors, and larger-than-life sculptures that transcended function, emphasizing the expressive potential of glass as an art form. In 1971, Chihuly co-founded the Pilchuck Glass School in Washington, a now-iconic institution that helped nurture the next generation of glass artists and elevated the medium into the realm of fine art.
One of Chihuly's most notable achievements was his creation of the Macchia series in the early 1980s, where he began experimenting with layered colors and organic shapes. He continued to push the boundaries of the medium, creating monumental glass sculptures in his Chandeliers and Persian series. These pieces have captivated audiences worldwide, with their dynamic compositions and groundbreaking use of color and form.
Chihuly's works have been exhibited globally, including major installations in botanical gardens, museums, and galleries. His installations transform spaces, fusing nature, architecture, and art into immersive experiences that challenge traditional perceptions of glass. Despite a personal setback from a near-fatal accident that left him blind in one eye in 1976, Chihuly has remained at the forefront of glass art, inspiring countless artists and audiences with his bold vision and dedication.