Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Indian Blanket Cylinder
Medium: Hand Blown Glass
Size: 12.25" × 5.5"
Year: 1976
Inscription: Etched signature and date to underside: "Chihuly 76"
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity
Dale Chihuly's "Indian Blanket Cylinder" (1976) is a pivotal example of the artist's early exploration into the fusion of glass artistry and textile-inspired design. Standing 12.25 inches tall and measuring 5.5 inches in diameter, this handblown glass vessel showcases Chihuly's innovative approach to form and decoration. The piece is etched with the artist's signature and date on the underside, and purchase includes a gallery certificate of authenticity.
In 1974, Chihuly was inspired by the geometric patterns of Navajo and Pendleton trade blankets during a visit to New Mexico. This inspiration led to the development of his "pickup" drawing technique, a breakthrough method he devised in 1974. This technique involves laying out intricate patterns using colored glass threads, which are then heated and fused onto the surface of a molten glass vessel by rolling it over the design. The result is a seamless integration of pattern and form, with the designs becoming an intrinsic part of the glass rather than applied externally.
The "Indian Blanket Cylinder" exemplifies Chihuly's mastery in blending technical innovation with artistic expression. The vessel's surface is adorned with vibrant, textile-like patterns that evoke the designs of Native American trade blankets, reflecting Chihuly's appreciation for Indigenous cultures and their influence on contemporary art. This piece is accompanied by a Gallery Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its verified provenance and collectible status.
Through works like the "Indian Blanket Cylinder", Chihuly transformed the medium of glass, elevating it from functional craft to a respected form of modern sculpture. His innovative techniques and artistic vision continue to influence and inspire artists and collectors worldwide.
About Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly (born 1941) is an American artist widely recognized for transforming the field of glass art and elevating it to a celebrated form of contemporary sculpture. Born in Tacoma, Washington, Chihuly developed an early fascination with art, eventually studying interior design and architecture before discovering glass as his primary medium. His early career was shaped by rigorous training at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he later served as the first head of the glass program.
Chihuly's groundbreaking work in glass began in the 1960s and 1970s, during a period when studio glass was emerging as a legitimate artistic medium. He experimented with innovative techniques, including blown glass, sculptural forms, and complex installations, pushing the boundaries of scale, color, and composition. His collaborative approach with skilled glassblowers allowed him to realize monumental works that combined artistry with technical mastery, setting new standards in the world of contemporary glass.
Throughout his career, Chihuly has produced iconic series such as Seaforms, Persians, Niijima Floats, and Chandeliers, which showcase his signature bold colors, organic shapes, and intricate layering. His works have been exhibited in major museums worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, and the Corning Museum of Glass, cementing his reputation as a pioneer in the medium.
Chihuly's influence extends beyond gallery walls to public art and large-scale installations in botanical gardens, airports, and civic spaces, making glass sculpture accessible to millions. His early innovations and continued experimentation with form, color, and scale have solidified his legacy as one of the most important glass artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.
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