Dale Chihuly 1979 Signed Hand Blown Glass White Basket with Olive Threads and Dark Plum Lip Wrap

Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: White Basket with Olive Green Threads and Dark Plum Lip Wrap
Medium: Hand Blown Glass
Size: 4 1/2" x 5 1/3"
Year: 1979
Inscription: Signed and Dated
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity

Dale Chihuly’s white handblown glass basket with olive green threads and dark plum lip wrap from his early career exemplifies the artist’s mastery in manipulating delicate forms and subtle color contrasts. Created in 1979, the piece features a soft white body interwoven with fine olive green threads, which appear to flow organically across the surface. The top edge is finished with a striking dark plum lip wrap, adding a refined accent to the otherwise airy and translucent structure. The piece reflects Chihuly’s experimentation with thread-like patterns, an element he used to great effect throughout the 1970s.

Inspired by traditional Native American basketry, Chihuly’s Basket series explores the tension between form and fluidity, allowing gravity and heat to shape each piece naturally during the glassblowing process. This organic approach results in soft, rounded contours, as seen in this work, with imperfections that enhance its handcrafted beauty.

Signed and dated by the artist, Chihuly’s white basket is also accompanied by a gallery certificate of authenticity. This basket is not only a representation of Chihuly’s early glass explorations but also an important collectible from one of the most influential glass artists of our time.

About Dale Chihuly

Dale Chihuly is one of the most influential glass artists of our time, renowned for his breathtaking sculptures and large-scale installations. His work includes the iconic ceiling installation at the Bellagio’s Conservatory in Las Vegas and the striking Rotunda Chandelier at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Today, Chihuly's glass artworks are some of the most sought-after pieces among collectors of decorative arts.

Though initially indifferent toward formal education, Chihuly pursued both scientific and artistic studies, ultimately earning degrees in sculpture from prestigious institutions. His early interest in interior design and craft soon evolved into a lifelong passion for glass. A pivotal moment in his career came when he received a Fulbright Fellowship in the late 1960s, allowing him to apprentice at the Venini Glass Factory in Venice. Immersing himself in Murano glass techniques, Chihuly helped revive the ancient art of glassblowing and propelled it into the modern spotlight.

Chihuly’s work is featured in over 200 prominent art collections worldwide, and he has been honored with twelve honorary doctorates for his contributions to the arts. Some of his most celebrated series include the Cylinders and Baskets of the 1970s, Macchia, Venetians, and Persians from the 1980s, Niijima Floats and Chandeliers of the 1990s, and the Fiori series from the 2000s.

For over three decades, Chihuly has directed a team of skilled artisans, following two accidents that profoundly reshaped his artistic journey. After losing vision in one eye and no longer being able to hold a blowing tube, he shifted his focus to envisioning works on a larger scale. This collaborative approach has allowed him to continue creating masterpieces while maintaining his distinct, recognizable style—pushing the boundaries of what glass art can achieve.