Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Dale Chihuly Seafoam Green and Desert Tan Basket Pair
Medium: Hand Blown Glass
Basket: 2.5" x 7.5" x 7"
Element: 1" x 3" x 3"
Year: c. 1980-1984
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity and certified third party appraisal from FOSS Appraisal Service
Dale Chihuly's "Seafoam Green and Desert Tan Basket Pair" exemplifies the artist's early and pioneering exploration of form, color, and transparency in blown glass. Created circa 1980–1984, this intimate two-piece composition reflects the elegance and innovation that helped establish Chihuly as one of the most influential figures in contemporary glass art.
The larger basket, measuring 2.5 inches high by 7.5 inches wide and 7 inches deep, features warm desert tan tones with delicate concentric striping that evoke the supple, undulating qualities of woven fibers. Cradled within is a smaller seafoam green element, just 1 inch high and 3 inches across, distinguished by its soft, organic presence and intricate internal patterning. The interplay between the two components emphasizes the relationship between containment and openness, delicacy and depth—a hallmark of Chihuly's Basket series.
Originally inspired by Northwest Coast Native American baskets that had softened and slumped over time, Chihuly sought to recreate that sense of natural collapse and asymmetry in glass. The result was revolutionary. Instead of treating glass as rigid and uniform, Chihuly embraced its molten character, allowing gravity and heat to dictate graceful, irregular silhouettes. This pair is an exquisite example of that philosophy, highlighting his deft use of color and translucency to capture movement and light.
Dale Chihuly's "Seafoam Green and Desert Tan Basket Pair" stands as a timeless expression of the artist's mastery during a pivotal era in his studio practice. Purchase includes a gallery certificate of authenticity and certified third party appraisal from FOSS Appraisal Service.
About Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly (b. 1941) is an American artist renowned for his groundbreaking work in glass sculpture, pushing the boundaries of traditional glassblowing to create monumental installations that have transformed the perception of glass as a fine art medium. With a career spanning over five decades, Chihuly's work is characterized by vibrant colors, organic forms, and a dynamic interplay of light and transparency.
Born in Tacoma, Washington, Chihuly's early fascination with glass began while studying interior design at the University of Washington. His passion for the medium deepened when he experimented with glassblowing, leading him to further his studies at the University of Wisconsin under Harvey Littleton, a pioneer of the studio glass movement. He continued his education at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he later co-founded the school's glass program.
In the late 1960s, Chihuly received a Fulbright Fellowship to work at the prestigious Venini glass studio in Murano, Italy. There, he was exposed to the teamwork approach used by Venetian glassmakers—an experience that profoundly influenced his artistic philosophy. Unlike the traditional solitary glass artist, Chihuly embraced collaboration, assembling skilled teams to help execute his ambitious large-scale projects.
A pivotal moment in Chihuly's career came in 1976 when he was involved in a car accident that left him blind in one eye. Unable to physically blow glass in the same way, he began directing his team more like a painter or sculptor, focusing on the conceptual and artistic aspects of his creations. This shift allowed him to take his work to new levels of scale and complexity.
Chihuly's installations, such as Chihuly Over Venice (1996), Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem (1999), and Chihuly at the Victoria and Albert Museum (2001), brought global recognition to his work. His signature series include the Persians, Seaforms, Macchia, and Chandeliers, each demonstrating his innovative approach to form, color, and texture. The Chandeliers, in particular, showcase his ability to transform space, with cascading compositions of blown glass that challenge gravity and conventional design.
In addition to his glass sculptures, Chihuly is an accomplished painter. His works on paper, created with bold strokes and vibrant pigments, serve as both standalone artworks and blueprints for his glass installations. He often uses metallic acrylics, adding depth and luminescence to his paintings, much like the reflective qualities of glass.
Today, Chihuly's work is displayed in museums, galleries, and public spaces worldwide, with permanent installations at institutions like the Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. His impact on contemporary art is immeasurable, inspiring generations of artists to explore the limitless possibilities of glass.
Through his pioneering techniques and visionary artistry, Dale Chihuly has redefined glass as a sculptural medium, elevating it beyond craft into the realm of fine art. His legacy continues to shine, as luminous and dynamic as the works he creates.
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