Dale Chihuly White Opalescent Seaform with Royal Blue Lip Wrap 1986 Signed Unique Hand Blown Glass

Artist: Dale Chihuly
Title: Opalescent Seaform with Royal Blue Lip Wrap
Medium: Hand Blown Glass
Size: 5" x 8" x 7"
Year: 1986
Inscription: Signed and dated on underside
Documentation: Includes Gallery Certificate of Authenticity

Dale Chihuly's Opalescent Seaform with Royal Blue Lip Wrap exemplifies his masterful approach to exploring organic forms and radiant color in hand-blown glass.

Chihuly's Seaform series emerged as an exploration of spontaneity and organic expression. Inspired by the ocean's infinite variety, the series reflects his innovative techniques and his ability to push the boundaries of traditional glass-blowing. Each Seaform is a unique artistic expression, combining technical mastery with a deep connection to the natural world. The Seaform series showcases Chihuly's fascination with the fluidity of glass as a medium. This piece features a translucent opalescent body adorned with soft, undulating white stripes that create a rippling effect, mimicking the movement of waves or the soft curves of underwater flora. Its dynamic, asymmetrical contours evoke a sense of motion and vitality, as though it were a living organism swaying gently beneath the sea.

The royal blue lip wrap adds a striking contrast, framing the sculpture's fluted edges with a bold, vibrant outline. This signature design element enhances the overall form, drawing attention to the intricate craftsmanship and the interplay between color and light. When illuminated, the opalescent surface shimmers, revealing subtle layers of texture and depth, reminiscent of the natural beauty found in seashells or coral reefs.

Created in 1986, this delicate sculpture measures 5" x 8" x 7" and is signed and dated on the underside. Purchase includes a gallery certificate of authenticity, underscoring its significance as a collectible work by one of the most celebrated contemporary glass artists.

About Dale Chihuly

Dale Chihuly is a renowned figure in contemporary glass art, celebrated for his monumental sculptures and mesmerizing installations that captivate audiences around the globe. His iconic creations, such as the vibrant ceiling at the Bellagio in Las Vegas and the striking Rotunda Chandelier at London's Victoria and Albert Museum, have cemented his status as a pioneer in the field. Collectors and decorative art enthusiasts treasure Chihuly's works for their unmatched beauty and craftsmanship, making them highly sought-after worldwide.

Chihuly's path to artistic prominence was unconventional. Despite an early indifference to formal education, he pursued advanced studies, earning degrees in both science and sculpture. While his initial focus was on interior design and craftsmanship, he was irresistibly drawn to the transformative medium of glass. His artistic journey took a pivotal turn as a Fulbright Fellow in the late 1960s, followed by an apprenticeship at the Venini Glass Factory in Venice, where he immersed himself in the ancient traditions of Murano glassmaking. These experiences laid the foundation for his innovative approach to the art form.

Over the decades, Chihuly has developed an extraordinary range of work, each series reflecting his evolving creativity and technical mastery. From the early Cylinders and Baskets of the 1970s to the vibrant Macchia, Venetians, and Persians of the 1980s, his pieces exemplify the limitless possibilities of glass as an expressive medium. His later works, including the monumental Niijima Floats and Chandeliers of the 1990s and the organic Fiori series of the 2000s, further showcase his visionary talent.

Two life-changing accidents—one of which left him blind in one eye—prevented Chihuly from physically blowing glass. Yet, as artistic director for over three decades, he has guided his team to create works that transcend boundaries, embodying his distinct aesthetic and expansive vision.

With his art featured in over 200 esteemed collections and his achievements recognized by twelve honorary doctorates, Dale Chihuly's enduring legacy continues to inspire and define the world of glass art.