Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Lilac Ikebana I & II (Two Painting Set)
Medium: Golden Acrylic Paint on French Water Color Paper
Dimensions: 30" x 20" each
Year: C. 1990-1995
Inscription: Signed "Chihuly" on bottom front of each painting
Documentation: Includes gallery certificate of authenticity
Dale Chihuly's Lilac Ikebana I & II is a captivating two-painting set that exemplifies the artist's distinctive fusion of color, movement, and expressive form. Created with golden acrylic paint on French watercolor paper, these original works shimmer with metallic brilliance, echoing the luminosity and fluidity of Chihuly's world-renowned glass sculptures. This rare pair of original paintings is a striking example of the artist's painterly vision, capturing the essence of his Ikebana series in a dynamic two-dimensional format.
Inspired by the Japanese art of floral arrangement, Lilac Ikebana I & II features a bold composition centered around a lilac-hued vessel, from which vibrant stems and blossoms seem to radiate outward with explosive energy. Chihuly's signature brushwork—at once gestural and precise—imbues the paintings with a sense of organic movement, much like his sculptural glassworks. The interplay of bright yellow, lime green, marigold, violet, sky blue, red, white, and black creates a visually arresting contrast, drawing the viewer into the rhythmic flow of color and form.
Each painting in the pair measures 30" x 20" and is signed "Chihuly" in black on the bottom front, affirming their authenticity and connection to the artist's broader body of work. As standalone pieces or displayed together, Lilac Ikebana I & II offers collectors a rare glimpse into Chihuly's creative process—where painting and sculpture inform one another in a continuous dialogue.
These paintings are currently not framed, but can be framed by us in the style of your choosing for an additional cost. The image showing the framing is a mock-up of what they will look like framed.
Accompanied by a gallery certificate of authenticity, this exceptional two-painting set is a significant and highly sought-after addition to any Chihuly collection, showcasing the artist's unparalleled mastery of both medium and motion.
About Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly is a trailblazer in contemporary glass art, renowned for his vibrant, organic sculptures and groundbreaking installations that push the boundaries of the medium. Born in Tacoma, Washington, in 1941, he studied interior design at the University of Washington before pursuing glassblowing at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he later established a glass program. A Fulbright Fellowship took him to Murano, Italy, where he was deeply influenced by the collaborative nature of Venetian glassmaking.
In the 1970s, Chihuly pioneered a new approach to glass, creating fluid, freeform sculptures that embraced movement and color. His Seaform, Macchia, and Persian series exemplify his ability to transform glass into organic, almost living forms. After a car accident in 1976 left him unable to blow glass himself, Chihuly transitioned into a directorial role, working with a team of artisans to bring his ambitious visions to life.
Chihuly's large-scale installations, including the Fiori di Como ceiling at the Bellagio in Las Vegas and the Rotunda Chandelier at London's Victoria and Albert Museum, have captivated global audiences. His work is featured in over 200 museum collections, and his exhibitions at institutions like the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, continue to draw record crowds.
With a career spanning six decades, Chihuly remains one of the most influential artists in contemporary glass. His innovative spirit and boundless creativity continue to redefine the possibilities of the medium, cementing his legacy as a master of form, color, and light.