The present lot is registered in the Chihuly Archives under number 97.1541.d1.

Provenance:

"Open Your Heart" auction, Bailey House, New York, n.d., lot 2.

Acquired directly from the above sale.

Lot Essay:

In 1989, the renowned glassmaker launched his Ikebana series: an organic and otherworldly body of work inspired by the Japanese art of flower arranging. Characterized by tall, long-stemmed flowers and leaves emerging from delicate vessels, these sculptural pieces reflect both natural elegance and meticulous craftsmanship.

In preparation for this series, the artist created a number of large-scale works on paper, such as the present lot (part from a series of three works). With vivid brushstrokes and bold coloring, this visceral composition translates the dynamic energy of his glassblowing practice into two dimensions. Bright tendrils of color seem to leap from the surface, capturing the intensity of molten glass and the spontaneity of nature that was so inherent to Chihuly’s glasswork practice.

Unframed. The sheet is loose. In overall very good condition, with vibrant, shiny colors and a heavy, thick paint texture throughout. With four pinholes in each corner, the bottom ones with associated paint loss. We notice some surface craquelure in the bottom left quadrant, likely caused by the heavy impasto. We also notice air bubbles at places. The paint overlaps onto the outer edges and verso on all four sides. We notice some of the edges slightly lift up. With light abrasions along the left outer edge, towards the bottom, as well as at upper right corner (likely old tape peeling the paint surface off). Additional images available upon request.

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