CHIHULY PERSIANS

Classical Greece, Persia, Byzantium, the Islamic world, Venice, and the art nouveau style can all be seen as sources for Dale Chihuly's Persian series, argues art historian *Tina Oldknow in "An Ancient Legacy," her insightful essay in "Chihuly Persians". However, she concludes by saying, that "the impetus is the marvelous - la merveille - that other, magical world where the source of wonder and delight reside." Oldknow sets the stage for "Chihuly Persians" by reviewing the accomplishments of his artistic ancestors from the anonymous Egyptian makers of core-formed vessels from 1500 B.C. to Louis Comfort Tiffany. She then goes on to discuss in contemporary aesthetic terms Chihuly's romantic Persian series, which began in 1986 as a search for new forms. Particular attention is paid to their use in the architectural context, and the author suggests a comparison with Persian gardens and carpets. Oldknow's thoughtful essay is illustrated by stunning examples of Chihuly's glass works with their swirling colors and exotic forms.

* Tina Oldknow is the current Curator of Modern Glass at the
Corning Museum of Glass in upstate New York.

1997 Hardcover
12" x 10"
104 pages, 59 color reproductions
ISBN: 978-1-57684-004-7

• Studio Edition Glass by Dale Chihuly from the Persian series.
• Learn more about the Persian series.