Dale Chihuy Imperial Iris Persian Pair Signed Portland Press Edition Hand Blown Glass

Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Imperial Iris Persian Pair
Medium: Hand Blown Glass
Largest Component: 7.5 high" x 14" wide x 10.5 deep
Small Component: 2" x 4.25" x 4.25"
Inscription: Signed and Dated "Chihuly PP99"
Year: 1999
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity

Dale Chihuly’s Imperial Iris Persian Pair is a striking example of his celebrated Persian series, blending rich coloration and dynamic form to create an extraordinary visual experience. Crafted in 1999, this set features a larger flowing Persian element and a smaller spherical counterpart, showcasing the artist’s unparalleled mastery in handblown glass.

The deep, velvety purple body is accentuated by vibrant chartreuse lip wraps, providing a bold contrast that enhances the work's intricate contours and luminous transparency. The Persian series, first debuted at the Louvre in 1986, is renowned for its inventive exploration of organic shapes and dramatic movement. In this piece, Chihuly’s skillful manipulation of glass captures the delicate balance between fluidity and structure, transforming a fragile medium into an enduring art form.

Signed and dated "Chihuly PP99" on the underside of the smaller component, this exquisite two-piece set includes a gallery certificate of authenticity from Modern Artifact.

About Dale Chihuly

Dale Chihuly is one of the most renowned contemporary glass artists in the world, celebrated for his monumental sculptures and breathtaking installations. Among his most iconic works are the vibrant glass ceiling at the Bellagio in Las Vegas and the dramatic Rotunda Chandelier at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Today, Chihuly’s creations are highly sought after by collectors and admired by enthusiasts of decorative arts worldwide.

Despite an unconventional approach to education in his early years, Chihuly earned degrees in both art and science, specializing in sculpture, from prestigious institutions. His passion for glass led him to a Fulbright Fellowship in the late 1960s, where he apprenticed at the Venini Glass Factory in Venice. There, he mastered the traditional Murano glassblowing techniques, which he later revolutionized, helping to revive and elevate the ancient craft to international prominence.

Chihuly’s artwork can be found in over 200 major decorative art collections. His celebrated series include Cylinders and Baskets from the 1970s, Macchia, Venetians, and Persians from the 1980s, Niijima Floats and Chandeliers from the 1990s, and Fiori, introduced in the 2000s.

A series of accidents left Chihuly blind in one eye and unable to hold a glassblowing tube. This shift led him to embrace a collaborative approach, serving as the artistic director of a skilled team of craftsmen for over 30 years. This transformation expanded his vision and enabled him to create even more ambitious works while maintaining his distinctive, vibrant style.

Chihuly’s contributions to the art world have earned him twelve honorary doctorates and a lasting legacy as a pioneer in the field of contemporary glass art.