Dale Chihuly Signed 11" 1978 Red-Orange Hand Blown Glass Basket with Blue Threads

Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Red-Orange Basket with Blue Threads
Medium: Hand Blown Glass
Dimensions: 7 3/4" x 11" x 10"
Year: 1978
Inscription: Signed "Chihuly 78"
Documentation: Includes gallery certificate of authenticity

This exquisite handblown glass basket, created by Dale Chihuly in 1978, exemplifies his innovative artistry and mastery of the medium. Measuring 7 3/4 inches high, 11 inches wide, and 10 inches deep, this striking piece embodies Chihuly's characteristic blend of fluid form and bold color. The basket is signed "Chihuly 78", authenticating it as an original work from this significant year in the artist's career.

The basket showcases a vibrant red-orange base, radiating warmth and vitality. This fiery hue is intricately interlaced with delicate blue threads, expertly inserted by Chihuly throughout the piece. The blue threads weave organically through the basket, adding a contrasting visual texture that enhances the dynamic interplay of color. The handblown technique allows for subtle variations and undulating shapes, giving the basket a sense of movement and life.

Chihuly's work often draws inspiration from natural forms, and this basket is no exception. Its design suggests the elegance of organic structures, blending symmetry with a freeform approach that mirrors the unpredictability of nature. The combination of vibrant color and intricate detailing invites viewers to explore the piece from multiple angles, revealing new depths and nuances with each perspective.

This glass basket not only serves as a stunning decorative object but also represents a significant piece of Chihuly's artistic legacy. It captures the essence of his innovative spirit and his ability to transform glass into breathtaking art, making it a cherished addition to any collection.

Purchase includes a certificate of authenticity from Modern Artifact.

About Dale Chihuly

Dale Chihuly is one of the world's most renowned contemporary glass artists, celebrated for his monumental sculptures and installations. He is the creative force behind the stunning ceiling at the Bellagio's flower garden in Las Vegas and the iconic Rotunda Chandelier at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Chihuly's glass works are among the most coveted collectibles in the decorative arts today.

Initially indifferent towards education, Chihuly eventually pursued extensive academic training, earning both scientific and artistic degrees in sculpture from prestigious institutions. Early in his career, he showed a strong interest in interior design and craft, but his true passion was always glass. In the late 1960s, he received a Fulbright Fellowship and apprenticed at the Venini Glass Factory in Venice, where he mastered Murano glasswork techniques. This experience fueled his ongoing experimentation with glassblowing, helping to revive the ancient art form on a global scale.

Chihuly's work is featured in over 200 of the world's most esteemed decorative art collections, and he has been awarded twelve honorary doctorates. His most illustrious series include Cylinders and Baskets from the 1970s; Macchia, Venetians, and Persians from the 1980s; Niijima Floats and Chandeliers from the 1990s; and the more recent Fiori from the 2000s.

For over 30 years, Chihuly has led his team of craftsmen as an artistic director, following accidents that left him blind in one eye and unable to hold the blowing tube. This shift allowed him to envision glasswork on a broader scale while maintaining his distinctive style. Chihuly's enduring influence and innovative approach continue to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.