Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Fire Red Basket Pair
Medium: Hand Blown Glass
Large Basket: 12" x 25" x 20"
Small Basket: 11" x 15" x 14"
Year: 1993
Inscription: Signed and dated on small basket
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity
Dale Chihuly's Fire Red Basket Pair is a breathtaking exploration of scale, form, and vibrancy that showcases the artist's unparalleled mastery of hand-blown glass. This extraordinary two-piece set features one monumental basket, its elegant curves and thin glass walls pushing the physical limits of the medium, while a smaller basket rests nestled within, creating a harmonious interplay of proportion and structure.
The work's deep, fiery red hue is accentuated by Chihuly's iconic black lip wraps, which trace the contours of the baskets and provide striking contrast. These thin, undulating lines emphasize the organic fluidity of the forms, evoking a sense of movement and lightness despite their remarkable size.
The sheer scale of the "Fire Red Basket Pair" is a testament to Chihuly's groundbreaking ability to expand the traditional boundaries of glass-blowing. The larger basket, measuring 25 inches wide and 20 inches deep, captivates viewers with its bold presence, while the smaller basket nestled inside adds intimacy and intricacy to the composition. This deliberate nesting recalls Chihuly's early Basket Series, where he drew inspiration from Native American woven baskets, interpreting their soft, slumped forms in glass with a focus on light, transparency, and organic elegance.
Signed and dated on the smaller basket, this work reflects a pivotal era in Chihuly's career when his collaborative approach to glass-making enabled him to create pieces of astonishing scale and refinement. The "Fire Red Basket Pair" encapsulates his deep understanding of the medium's interplay with light, color, and form, inviting viewers to marvel at the delicate balance between fragility and strength.
This exceptional hand-blown glass set is accompanied by a Gallery Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its significance as a collectible work within the Chihuly oeuvre.
About Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly (b. September 20, 1941) is an American artist renowned for his pioneering work in glass art, a medium he transformed into a form of large-scale, immersive sculpture. Born in Tacoma, Washington, Chihuly's fascination with glass began during his time at the University of Washington, where he initially studied interior design. His exploration of glass as an artistic medium solidified when he created his first glassblowing experiments in 1965.
Chihuly continued his studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning a Master of Science in Sculpture in 1967. There, he studied under Harvey Littleton, a key figure in the American Studio Glass movement. Chihuly further honed his craft at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he received a Master of Fine Arts in 1968 and later taught, influencing a generation of glass artists. His formative years included a Fulbright Fellowship to work at the Venini glass factory in Murano, Italy. This experience deeply impacted his understanding of glassblowing techniques and collaborative artistry.
A pivotal moment in Chihuly's career occurred in 1971, when he co-founded the Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington. Pilchuck became a hub for innovation in glass art, drawing artists from around the globe and cementing Chihuly's role as a leader in the field.
Chihuly’s career was dramatically altered in 1976 when a car accident left him blind in one eye. Subsequently, he shifted his focus from hands-on glassblowing to conceptualizing and directing his work, relying on a team of skilled artisans to execute his vision. This collaborative approach allowed him to scale his creations to monumental proportions, blending elements of design, architecture, and fine art.
Chihuly is best known for his breathtaking installations and sculptures that transform spaces into vibrant realms of color and form. His works often draw inspiration from nature, as seen in series such as "Seaforms," "Persians," and "Macchia." Perhaps his most iconic installations are his large-scale chandeliers and garden exhibitions, which integrate his glass sculptures into botanical environments. These immersive installations, including "Chihuly Over Venice" (1996) and "Chihuly in the Garden" (2001), have captivated audiences worldwide.
The artist’s creations are featured in over 200 museum collections, including the Smithsonian Institution, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. In 2002, the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibition opened in Seattle, providing a permanent home for many of his works and offering visitors an in-depth look at his artistic legacy.
Throughout his career, Chihuly has pushed the boundaries of glass as a medium, emphasizing its ability to interact with light, color, and space. His innovative approach to art-making, which merges traditional craftsmanship with contemporary vision, has earned him numerous accolades, including honorary doctorates and awards such as the National Living Treasure designation from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington.
Dale Chihuly’s work continues to resonate globally, not only for its technical mastery but also for its ability to evoke wonder and inspire a profound connection to the beauty of the natural world.