Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Citron Basket
Medium: Handblown glass
Size: 7" high x 8" x 8"
Year: 2002
Inscription: Signed and dated "Chihuly PP 02"
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity
Dale Chihuly's Citron Basket is a striking example of his groundbreaking Baskets series, a body of work that redefined the possibilities of handblown glass. Inspired by the organic, slumped forms of Northwest Coast Indian baskets, Chihuly translated their delicate, collapsing shapes into luminous glass sculptures.
Measuring 7 inches high, Citron Basket radiates with a brilliant yellow hue, contrasted by cobalt blue striping and a finely detailed cobalt lip wrap. The fluidity of its form and the interplay of light within its translucent structure highlight Chihuly's masterful ability to push glass to its expressive limits.
Signed and dated "Chihuly PP 02", this piece belongs to the sought-after Portland Press edition from 2002. It is accompanied by a Gallery Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its provenance. Elegant yet bold, Citron Basket captures the essence of Chihuly's artistic vision—celebrating both the fragility and resilience of glass through color, form, and innovation.
About Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly (b. 1941) is an American artist renowned for his groundbreaking work in glass sculpture. Born in Tacoma, Washington, Chihuly transformed the art world by pushing the boundaries of glass as a medium, creating large-scale, intricate, and colorful installations that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Chihuly's artistic journey began at the University of Washington, where he initially studied interior design. He later developed a deep fascination with glassblowing, leading him to pursue further studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison under the guidance of Harvey Littleton, a pioneer in the American Studio Glass movement. He continued his education at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he later established the glass program and served as a professor.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Chihuly traveled extensively, including a pivotal trip to the island of Murano in Venice, Italy, where he studied traditional glassblowing techniques. This experience greatly influenced his approach to glass artistry. In 1971, he co-founded the Pilchuck Glass School in Washington State, which became an influential center for glass art, fostering innovation and collaboration among artists worldwide.
A significant turning point in Chihuly's career occurred in 1976 when a car accident in England left him blind in one eye. This injury prevented him from directly handling hot glass, leading him to adopt a team-oriented approach to glassmaking. By orchestrating teams of skilled artisans, Chihuly was able to execute his ambitious and monumental designs, much like a director guiding a film production.
Chihuly's signature style is characterized by organic forms, dynamic movement, and vibrant colors. His series, such as Persians, Seaforms, Macchia, Chandeliers, and Fiori, showcase his ability to manipulate glass into intricate and fluid shapes. His large-scale public installations, including those displayed at the Bellagio in Las Vegas and the Chihuly Garden and Glass museum in Seattle, have cemented his reputation as a pioneer in contemporary glass art.
Throughout his career, Chihuly has exhibited his work in major museums and galleries across the globe, from the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. His work is celebrated for its ability to blend sculpture, design, and architecture, transforming spaces into immersive, colorful environments.
Despite facing physical challenges, Chihuly's influence on the glass art world remains unparalleled. His collaborative approach, innovative techniques, and visionary creativity have redefined the possibilities of glass as an artistic medium, ensuring his legacy as one of the most important and recognizable artists of his time.