Description
Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Sunrise Chandelier
Medium: Hand Blown Glass Chandelier
Dimensions: 108" x 48" x 48"
Year: 2004
Documentation: Includes original gallery sales receipt and certificate of authenticity from Modern Artifact
Additional services: Professional packaging, shipping, engineering and installation
A breathtaking fusion of light, movement, and color, Dale Chihuly's Sunrise Chandelier is a masterpiece of hand-blown glass artistry. Towering at an awe-inspiring nine feet in height, this monumental chandelier is a radiant explosion of fiery oranges, vibrant pinks, and glowing yellows, reminiscent of the first light of dawn breaking across the horizon. Chihuly's signature swirling glass tendrils twist and curl in every direction, creating a dazzling sense of energy and fluidity that seems almost weightless in midair.
Every individual glass element is meticulously shaped and fused into a harmonious yet dynamic composition. The chandelier's intricate construction reflects the highest level of craftsmanship, with each delicate coil, spiral, and curling ribbon of glass working together to form an organic, radiant structure.
Dale Chihuly is world-renowned for redefining contemporary glass art, and his Sunrise Chandelier exemplifies his ability to merge sculpture, light, and color in an unforgettable installation. As one of Chihuly's large-scale glass chandeliers, this piece represents the pinnacle of his innovation in glassblowing and his mastery of organic form.
To ensure seamless integration into your space, Modern Artifact provides comprehensive white-glove services, including professional shipping, engineering consultations, and expert installation. Our team is dedicated to preserving the integrity and grandeur of Chihuly's work, ensuring it arrives in pristine condition and is securely mounted to enhance any space it inhabits.
For inquiries, availability, and logistics, please contact Modern Artifact for a personalized consultation.
About Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly (b. 1941) is a pioneering American artist known for revolutionizing the field of glass sculpture. With a career spanning over five decades, Chihuly has pushed the boundaries of glass as a medium, transforming it from a craft-based tradition into an expressive fine art form. His immersive installations, vibrant color palettes, and organic, free-flowing forms have captivated audiences worldwide, making him one of the most celebrated artists in contemporary art.
Born in Tacoma, Washington, Chihuly's early interest in art led him to study interior design at the University of Washington. A pivotal moment came in 1965 when he experimented with glassblowing for the first time, setting the stage for a lifelong exploration of the material. He pursued further studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, home to the first glass program in the United States, and later earned an MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Chihuly's education took him abroad as well—he received a Fulbright Fellowship to work at the prestigious Venini glass factory in Murano, Italy, where he gained insight into the centuries-old techniques of Venetian glassmakers.
Chihuly's career was marked by innovation and resilience. In 1971, he co-founded the Pilchuck Glass School in Washington, which became a global center for glass art. A car accident in 1976 left him blind in one eye, and a later shoulder injury prevented him from physically blowing glass. Rather than stepping away from his art, he embraced a more collaborative approach, directing teams of glassblowers to execute his visionary designs. This shift allowed for the creation of increasingly ambitious works, from monumental chandeliers to large-scale installations.
His iconic series, including Persians, Seaforms, Macchia, and Chandeliers, showcase his mastery of form, texture, and color. Among his most notable large-scale projects is Chihuly Over Venice (1995–96), in which he installed handblown glass sculptures throughout the historic Italian city. His Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem (1999) exhibition attracted over a million visitors, solidifying his reputation as a global artist. Chihuly's work has been displayed in renowned museums and botanical gardens, such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, the de Young Museum, and the New York Botanical Garden, offering an immersive experience that blends nature and art.
Chihuly's artistic philosophy is rooted in spontaneity and fluidity, allowing glass to dictate its own organic shapes rather than confining it to rigid structures. His influence extends beyond glassblowing, as he also works in painting, drawing, and large-scale installations. His impact on the contemporary art world is immeasurable, as he has redefined what glass sculpture can achieve. Today, his work continues to be celebrated for its bold experimentation, dynamic energy, and sheer beauty, making him one of the most influential artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.