Large 25” Fire Red Basket Pair Signed Hand-Blown Glass, 1993

Dale Chihuly  

Medium: Hand Blown Glass
Large Basket: 12" x 25" x 20"
Small Basket: 11" x 15" x 14"
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.