Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Philodendron Ikebana
Medium: Hand Blown Glass
Vase Size: 10.5" high x 5.5" x 5.5"
Element: 12.5" high overall
Leaf: 11.75" x 3.5" wide
Inscription: Signed by the artist and inscribed "PP02"
Year: 2002
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity
Chihuly's Ikebana Series emulates the subtle and intensely stylized art of Japanese flower arranging. "Philodendron Ikebana" is among the earliest examples of this series made available as a Studio Edition. A single elongated stem with a yellow leaf cascades gracefully from a brilliant blue vase, composing elegant contours that echo the aesthetics of traditional Ikebana.
Both the leaf and the vase are enriched with surface treatments that include a gold leaf overlay and multicolored glass accents, or "jimmies", which add dimension and texture to the form. Measuring approximately eleven inches in height, this handblown glass sculpture is signed and inscribed by the artist.
Reminiscent of its Japanese namesake, "Philodendron Ikebana" conveys a sublime, architectural quality. Its balance of vibrant color, organic line, and refined craftsmanship demonstrates Chihuly’s mastery in transforming the centuries-old art of glassblowing into a modern expression of sculptural form.
About Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly (b. 1941) is an American artist and glassmaker known for his pioneering contributions to contemporary glass art. Born in Tacoma, Washington, Chihuly studied interior design at the University of Washington, where he first began experimenting with glass in the early 1960s. He later pursued advanced studies in glassblowing at the University of Wisconsin–Madison under Harvey Littleton and at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he went on to establish the school’s glass program in 1969.
In 1968, Chihuly received a Fulbright Fellowship to study at the Venini glass factory in Murano, Italy, where he was introduced to the team-oriented approach to glassmaking that would later define his own studio practice. This collaborative method allowed him to work on increasingly ambitious projects and large-scale installations that would have been impossible for a single glassblower to execute.
Chihuly’s career is distinguished by his innovative techniques, particularly in color application, form, and scale. He is known for series such as Seaforms, Macchia, Persians, Chandeliers, and Fiori, each of which explores the expressive potential of glass through organic, fluid forms and bold color combinations. His work often pushes the boundaries of the medium, combining traditional craftsmanship with experimental processes.
Over the decades, Chihuly has exhibited extensively in major museums and galleries worldwide, with significant installations at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Louvre in Paris, and the Corning Museum of Glass in New York. His permanent exhibitions include Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle, which opened in 2012 and showcases a comprehensive collection of his works.
Chihuly’s artistic achievements have been recognized with numerous awards, including several honorary doctorates and fellowships. While an accident in 1976 left him blind in one eye and subsequent injuries limited his ability to physically blow glass, he continued to direct large teams of assistants, shaping the creative vision behind each project.
Today, Chihuly is regarded as a central figure in elevating glass from a craft tradition to a recognized fine art form. His contributions have broadened the scope of contemporary sculpture, and his works remain part of major public and private collections internationally.
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