Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Paris Blue 3 Piece Basket Set
Medium: Hand Blown Glass
Year: 2001
Large Basket: 8" x 7" x 7"
Medium Basket: 4" x 4" x 4"
Small Basket: 2" x 4.25" x 4.5"
Signed: Inscribed "PP01" on small basket
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity
Dale Chihuly's Paris Blue Basket is an exquisite example of his ground breaking Baskets series, which redefined the possibilities of glass as an artistic medium. Created in 2001, this hand-blown glass set consists of three uniquely formed baskets, each displaying Chihuly's mastery of form, fluidity, and color. The largest basket measures 8" x 7", while the two smaller baskets measure 4" x 4" x 4" and 2" x 4.25" x 4.5" respectively. The smallest basket is inscribed with "PP01", signifying its place within the sought-after Portland Press edition of that year.
Chihuly's Baskets series, which originated in the 1970s, was inspired by the traditional woven baskets of Native American tribes from the Pacific Northwest. By manipulating molten glass with heat, gravity, and centrifugal force, Chihuly developed organic, slumped forms that challenged the rigid structure typically associated with blown glass. The Paris Blue Basket set features a luminous blue hue complemented by a contrasting deep yellow lip wrap, a striking hallmark of Chihuly's work.
This piece embodies Chihuly's pursuit of spontaneity and naturalism in glass, as the baskets nest within each other in an interplay of transparency, asymmetry, and delicate refinement. A celebrated collectible, Paris Blue Basket is a testament to Chihuly's artistic vision and remains an exceptional addition to any glass art collection. This work is accompanied by a Gallery Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its provenance and significance within the artist's prolific career.
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 glassmaking, 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.
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.