Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Sage and Rust Seaform Set
Medium: Hand Blown Glass
Basket: 4.75" x 9.5" x 10"
Element: 2.75" x 4.25" x 4.25"
Year: 1981
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity and certified third party appraisal from FOSS Appraisal Service
Dale Chihuly's Sage and Rust Seaform Set (1981) is a stunning example of his early explorations in glass, showcasing the organic, flowing forms that have become synonymous with his artistry. This two-piece set, composed of a delicate basket and a complementary element, embodies the artist's mastery of the medium, capturing a sense of movement and fluidity reminiscent of marine life.
The work features an unusual yet striking color palette of sage green and deep rust—earthy, muted tones that are characteristic of Chihuly's early era. These subdued hues stand in contrast to the vibrant colors of his later works, offering a more understated elegance while maintaining the luminous quality that defines his glass art. The subtle interplay of color, light, and form creates an ethereal effect, with the undulating edges and thin, translucent walls appearing almost weightless.
Chihuly's Seaform series is inspired by the natural world, particularly the delicate curves of seashells and the rhythmic motion of ocean waves. In Sage and Rust Seaform Set, the artist's signature use of asymmetry and organic contours enhances the sense of spontaneity and fluidity. The basket's softly folded shape cradles the smaller element, creating a dynamic relationship between the two pieces.
Accompanied by a gallery certificate of authenticity and a third-party appraisal from FOSS Appraisal Service, this rare early work exemplifies Chihuly's innovative approach to glass-blowing and his ability to transform molten material into delicate, otherworldly forms.
About Dale Chihuly
Dale Chihuly (b. 1941) is an American artist renowned for his groundbreaking work in glass sculpture, pushing the boundaries of traditional glassblowing to create monumental installations that have transformed the perception of glass as a fine art medium. With a career spanning over five decades, Chihuly's work is characterized by vibrant colors, organic forms, and a dynamic interplay of light and transparency.
Born in Tacoma, Washington, Chihuly's early fascination with glass began while studying interior design at the University of Washington. His passion for the medium deepened when he experimented with glassblowing, leading him to further his studies at the University of Wisconsin under Harvey Littleton, a pioneer of the studio glass movement. He continued his education at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he later co-founded the school's glass program.
In the late 1960s, Chihuly received a Fulbright Fellowship to work at the prestigious Venini glass studio in Murano, Italy. There, he was exposed to the teamwork approach used by Venetian glassmakers—an experience that profoundly influenced his artistic philosophy. Unlike the traditional solitary glass artist, Chihuly embraced collaboration, assembling skilled teams to help execute his ambitious large-scale projects.
A pivotal moment in Chihuly's career came in 1976 when he was involved in a car accident that left him blind in one eye. Unable to physically blow glass in the same way, he began directing his team more like a painter or sculptor, focusing on the conceptual and artistic aspects of his creations. This shift allowed him to take his work to new levels of scale and complexity.
Chihuly's installations, such as Chihuly Over Venice (1996), Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem (1999), and Chihuly at the Victoria and Albert Museum (2001), brought global recognition to his work. His signature series include the Persians, Seaforms, Macchia, and Chandeliers, each demonstrating his innovative approach to form, color, and texture. The Chandeliers, in particular, showcase his ability to transform space, with cascading compositions of blown glass that challenge gravity and conventional design.
In addition to his glass sculptures, Chihuly is an accomplished painter. His works on paper, created with bold strokes and vibrant pigments, serve as both standalone artworks and blueprints for his glass installations. He often uses metallic acrylics, adding depth and luminescence to his paintings, much like the reflective qualities of glass.
Today, Chihuly's work is displayed in museums, galleries, and public spaces worldwide, with permanent installations at institutions like the Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. His impact on contemporary art is immeasurable, inspiring generations of artists to explore the limitless possibilities of glass.
Through his pioneering techniques and visionary artistry, Dale Chihuly has redefined glass as a sculptural medium, elevating it beyond craft into the realm of fine art. His legacy continues to shine, as luminous and dynamic as the works he creates.