Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Amethyst Persian Pair
Medium: Hand-Blown Glass
Largest element measures 8.5" x 11"
Smaller element measures 10" across
Year: 2005
Inscription: Inscribed "Chihuly PP05"
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate
Dale Chihuly's Amethyst Persian Pair exemplifies the artist's mastery of glass and his ability to transform the medium into flowing, organic forms. This 2005 hand-blown glass set features two elegantly shaped elements, with the largest measuring 8.5" x 11" and the smaller piece spanning 10" across. Inscribed "Chihuly PP05", this work is part of the highly sought-after Portland Press edition and includes a gallery certificate of authenticity.
Chihuly's Persian series, first introduced in 1986, draws inspiration from ancient cultures, vibrant color palettes, and the delicate movements of fabric and nature. In Amethyst Persian Pair, the rich pink amethyst hues swirl across the fluid forms, accentuated by striking bright green lip wraps that enhance their undulating edges. The interplay of translucency and bold coloration gives the work a sense of lightness and depth, evoking the movement of petals caught in a breeze.
As with all pieces in the Persian series, Amethyst Persian Pair merges tradition with innovation, reinterpreting classical vessel forms into abstract, sculptural expressions. This set is a testament to Chihuly's continued exploration of color, form, and the expressive possibilities of glass, making it a captivating addition to any collection.
About Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly is an American artist renowned for revolutionizing the studio glass movement and elevating glassblowing into the realm of fine art. Born on September 20, 1941, in Tacoma, Washington, Chihuly's innovative techniques and bold artistic vision have made him one of the most influential glass artists in the world.
Chihuly's artistic journey began at the University of Washington, where he initially studied interior design. His fascination with glass emerged after experimenting with the medium, prompting him to further his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison under Harvey Littleton, a pioneer of the studio glass movement. He later earned a Master of Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he would go on to establish a renowned glass program and teach for more than a decade.
In 1968, Chihuly received a Fulbright Fellowship, allowing him to study glassblowing in Murano, Italy, a historic center of glass artistry. There, he observed the traditional team-based approach to glass-making, a method that would significantly shape his own practice. Upon returning to the United States, he co-founded the Pilchuck Glass School in Washington state in 1971, providing a platform for glass artists to experiment and push the boundaries of the medium.
Chihuly's career took a dramatic turn in 1976 when he was involved in a car accident that left him blind in one eye. A few years later, a shoulder injury further limited his ability to blow glass, leading him to shift towards a more hands-off, collaborative approach to creation. This transition allowed him to focus on conceptualizing grand, intricate designs while guiding a team of skilled artisans to execute his vision. This approach has led to the production of some of the most ambitious and large-scale glass installations ever created.
His work is characterized by organic forms, vivid colors, and a sense of movement that captures the fluidity of molten glass. His series, including Persians, Seaforms, Macchia, and Chandeliers, showcase his mastery of texture, scale, and light. Perhaps one of his most recognized projects is Chihuly Over Venice (1995–96), in which he installed breathtaking glass sculptures in various Venetian locations, celebrating the city's rich glassmaking heritage.
Chihuly's installations have graced major museums and public spaces worldwide, from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. His work is also prominently featured in botanical gardens, where his luminous forms interact dynamically with natural landscapes, such as in Chihuly in the Garden exhibitions held at institutions like the New York Botanical Garden and the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix.
Beyond glass, Chihuly has expanded his artistic practice to include large-scale drawings and paintings, which serve both as standalone works and as a means of conceptualizing his glass sculptures. His paintings, often executed in bold strokes and vibrant colors, reflect the same energy and fluidity found in his glass creations.
Despite facing physical challenges, Chihuly's artistic output remains prolific. His unique approach to glassblowing—embracing teamwork, large-scale installations, and an experimental spirit—continues to influence contemporary artists. His legacy is not only in his iconic works but also in his role as a mentor, educator, and innovator within the glass art community.
Dale Chihuly's art transforms spaces, transcending the boundaries of traditional glassmaking to create mesmerizing, immersive experiences. With his unparalleled vision and dedication to pushing the limits of the medium, he has cemented his place as one of the most significant and celebrated artists of his time.