Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Oxblood Seaform with Turquoise Lip Wrap
Medium: Hand Blown Glass
Large Basket: 3.5" x 9" x 5.5"
Small Element: 1.25" x 3.25" x 3.75"
Year: Circa 1986
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity and appraisal from FOSS Appraisal Service.
Dale Chihuly's Oxblood Seaform with Turquoise Lip Wrap is a striking example of the artist's mastery in glass, blending organic fluidity with bold, dynamic color. This hand-blown sculpture showcases a deep oxblood hue that cascades into delicate, translucent ripples, evoking the movement and fragility of marine life. A vivid turquoise lip wrap provides a striking contrast, accentuating the undulating edges and enhancing the work's sense of motion.
Part of Chihuly's iconic Seaform series, introduced in the early 1980s, this piece embodies his fascination with the natural world. The series marked a shift towards more spontaneous, free-flowing forms, inspired by the rhythmic elegance of ocean currents and the intricate structures of coral reefs. The rich oxblood tones lend the piece an earthy depth, while the turquoise accent shimmers like light reflecting off water, reinforcing the sculpture's organic, oceanic essence.
Whether displayed alone or within a collection, this work captivates with its luminous presence, exemplifying the innovation and beauty that define Chihuly's legacy.king example of the artist's mastery in glass, blending organic fluidity with bold, dynamic color. This hand-blown sculpture showcases a deep oxblood hue that cascades into delicate, translucent ripples, evoking the movement and fragility of marine life. A vivid turquoise lip wrap provides a striking contrast, accentuating the undulating edges and enhancing the work's sense of motion.
Accompanied by a gallery certificate of authenticity and a certified third-party appraisal from Foss Appraisal Service, Oxblood Seaform with Turquoise Lip Wrap stands as a testament to Chihuly's transformative artistry.
About Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly is a visionary force in contemporary glass art, renowned for his groundbreaking techniques, large-scale installations, and vibrant, organic forms that have redefined the possibilities of the medium. Born on September 20, 1941, in Tacoma, Washington, Chihuly's fascination with glass began early and evolved into a transformative career that has elevated glassblowing to a celebrated fine art embraced by museums, collectors, and audiences worldwide.
Chihuly's academic journey laid the foundation for his innovative approach. He earned a degree in interior design from the University of Washington before studying sculpture at the University of Wisconsin-Madison under Harvey Littleton, a pioneer of the American Studio Glass Movement. He later completed his graduate studies at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he established a glassblowing program and taught for several years. A Fulbright Fellowship took him to the renowned Venini glass factory in Murano, Italy, where he was deeply influenced by the collaborative nature of traditional glassmaking.
In the 1970s, Chihuly developed his signature style—defined by fluid, organic shapes, vibrant colors, and an experimental approach to form. His early Cylinder and Basket series reflected influences from Native American art, while his later works, such as Persians, Seaforms, and Macchia, pushed the limits of glass artistry with bold colors and undulating, freeform structures.
A 1976 car accident left Chihuly blind in one eye and unable to physically blow glass, prompting him to adopt a directorial approach, working with a team of skilled artisans to bring his vision to life. This collaborative process, inspired by his time in Murano, enabled him to create ambitious installations that redefined glass as a sculptural medium.
Chihuly's large-scale works have captivated audiences worldwide. His Fiori di Como ceiling at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, the Rotunda Chandelier at London's Victoria and Albert Museum, and site-specific exhibitions like Chihuly Over Venice (1996) and Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem 2000 have become iconic landmarks. His solo exhibitions have been featured at major institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; the de Young Museum, San Francisco; and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
With works housed in over 200 museum collections globally, Chihuly has earned numerous accolades, including twelve honorary doctorates and the Seattle Center's Artist of the Year award. His ongoing exploration of glass, painting, and drawing continues to push artistic boundaries, reinforcing his status as one of the most influential figures in contemporary art.
Through his luminous sculptures, immersive installations, and pioneering techniques, Chihuly has forever transformed the landscape of glass art, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and awe audiences around the world.