Dale Chihuly Copper and Midnight Blue Piccolo Venetian Vase Signed Unique Hand Blown Glass

Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Copper and Midnight Blue Piccolo Venetian
Medium: Hand Blown Glass
Dimensions: 11" x 9" x 3"
Year: 1997
Inscription: Signed on the bottom
Documentation: Includes gallery certificate of authenticity

A lavish fusion of masterful craftsmanship and boundless artistic imagination, "Venetians" stands as one of Dale Chihuly's most elaborate and visually captivating bodies of work. Originating in 1988 through a collaborative experiment with renowned Italian glassblower Lino Tagliapietra, the series has since blossomed into a multifaceted showcase of Chihuly's ingenuity and expertise. Departing from his earlier focus on simple, organic forms, "Venetians" introduced a new level of intricacy, incorporating swirling vines, vibrant flowers, and elaborate, extravagant shapes into each piece.

This unique copper and midnight blue venetian vase epitomizes the culmination of Chihuly's artistic vision. In both color and form, the central component of this piece is a traditional style vase which Chihuly has embellished with midnight blue appendages along the sides. The combination of classical and unusual highlight’s Chihuly’s willingness to explore new techniques and aesthetics within the world of glass art. Dale Chihuly’s copper and midnight Blue Venetian measures 11" x 9" x 3". It is signed by the artists and includes a certificate of authenticity.

About Dale Chihuly

Renowned worldwide as one of the foremost contemporary glass artists, Dale Chihuly is celebrated for his awe-inspiring monumental sculptures and installations. He is the creative genius behind the breathtaking ceiling adorning the Bellagio's flower garden in Las Vegas and the mastermind behind the magnificent Rotunda Chandelier gracing the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Chihuly's glass creations are coveted treasures among enthusiasts of decorative arts, coveted for their exquisite craftsmanship and captivating beauty.

Despite initially showing little interest in formal education, Chihuly dedicated considerable time to academia, earning both scientific and artistic degrees in sculpture from prestigious graduate institutions. While he demonstrated early talents in interior design and crafts, his heart was always drawn to the art of glass. As a Fulbright Fellow in the late 1960s and as an apprentice at the esteemed Venini Glass Factory in Venice, Chihuly honed his skills in Murano glasswork, playing a pivotal role in revitalizing the ancient art of glassblowing on a global scale through his innovative experimentation.

Chihuly's monumental and smaller-scale works grace over 200 esteemed decorative art collections worldwide, a testament to his enduring impact on the artistic landscape. Additionally, the artist has been awarded twelve honorary doctorates, underscoring his profound influence and contribution to the arts.

Among his most acclaimed series are the Cylinders and Baskets of the 1970s; the vibrant Macchia, Venetians, and Persians from the 1980s; the ethereal Niijima Floats and dazzling Chandeliers of the 1990s; and the more recent Fiori series from the 2000s.

For more than three decades, Chihuly has served as the artistic director of his team of craftsmen, a role he assumed following two accidents that left him blind in one eye and unable to manipulate the blowing tube. This shift enabled him to envision the possibilities of glasswork on a grander scale while retaining his signature style, showcasing his resilience and innovative spirit in the face of adversity.