Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Deep Teal Soft Cylinder
Medium: Hand Blown Glass Sculpture
Size: 15.5" x 10" x 10.5"
Inscription: Signed and dated "Chihuly 1987"
Year: 1987
Documentation: Gallery certificate of authenticity
Dale Chihuly's "Deep Teal Soft Cylinder" (1987) is a commanding example of the artist's mid-to-late 1980s exploration of form and color in glass. Measuring 15.5 inches in height, this large-scale soft cylinder asserts a strong physical presence while showcasing the fluidity and depth characteristic of Chihuly's work.
Dominated by a deep teal color exterior, the soft cylinder also incorporates tones of yellow, lime green, and black. Its form shows evidence of a number of Chihuly's innovative techniques from this era, including a drawing and the use of threads. The interior is finished in a vibrant violet color and the entire work is capped off with a rose pink lip wrap. The rainbow of bright, contrasting tones in this works foreshadows the types of colors and pairings Chihuly's work would evolve into in the modern era.
The organic silhouette of "Deep Teal Soft Cylinder" reflects Chihuly's innovative use of gravity during the handblown glass process. By allowing the molten glass to respond to natural forces, he achieves gentle undulations and fluid curves, creating shapes that appear both intentional and spontaneous. This approach exemplifies Chihuly's ongoing experimentation with how gravity can influence and enhance sculptural forms, resulting in pieces that are visually alive and responsive to their environment.
Dale Chihuly's "Deep Teal Soft Cylinder" is signed and dated "Chihuly 1987". Purchase includes a gallery certificate of authenticity.
About Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly (b. 1941, Tacoma, Washington) is an American artist recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to the studio glass movement. Over his career, Chihuly has transformed glass from a functional craft into a dynamic medium for large-scale artistic expression, producing work that spans vessels, suspended sculptures, and site-specific installations. His exploration of color, form, and light has established him as a central figure in contemporary glass art.
Chihuly studied interior design at the University of Washington, completing his degree in 1965, before earning an MFA in sculpture at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in 1968. During his studies, he trained under Harvey Littleton, a leading figure in the American Studio Glass movement, and later undertook a Fulbright Fellowship in Murano, Italy, where he observed traditional Venetian glassblowing methods. These experiences shaped his collaborative approach, employing teams of skilled artisans to realize complex works while expanding the scale and technical possibilities of glass.
In 1971, Chihuly co-founded the Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington, which became an influential center for glass experimentation and education. Early series such as Seaforms and Persians illustrate his interest in organic shapes, surface textures, and the interplay of light and color. Chihuly's signature large-scale installations—including chandeliers, ceiling sculptures, and public commissions—demonstrate his ability to integrate architectural space with glass artistry, producing immersive environments that extend the medium beyond traditional vessels.
Chihuly's work is held in major institutions including the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Corning Museum of Glass, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the de Young Museum. His series, including Macchia and Niijima Floats, exemplify his innovative techniques, such as layered color application, frit surfaces, and the use of translucency to achieve depth.
Dale Chihuly's career reflects a sustained commitment to experimentation, collaboration, and the expansion of glass as a fine art medium. His legacy encompasses not only the objects he has created but also his influence on generations of glass artists and the broader field of contemporary art.
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