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Putti

Silvered Lobster and Cuttlefish atop Speckled Carmine Vessel, 2006, 36 x 17 x 17"  Inquire

Mischievous creatures

Chihuly worked with Italian glass master Pino Signoretto on this series, to add classical solid glass figures to contemporary blown glass vessels. The name Putti was inspired by the frolicking cherubs featured in their earliest pieces. Since then, Putti has expanded to include vessels with a range of mischievous figures, such as birds, mammals and sea creatures.

Dale Chihuly, Putto Basking with Nautilus on Ice Blue Vessel, 1999

Putto Basking with Nautilus on Ice Blue Vessel, 1999, 29 x 12 x 12"
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Dale Chihuly, Musical Putti Perched atop Gilt Amethyst Vessel, 2006

Musical Putti Perched atop Gilt Amethyst Vessel, 2006, 28 x 15 x 15"
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Dale Chihuly, Macaw Perched with Flower above Tropical Green Base, 2006

Macaw Perched with Flower above Tropical Green Base, 2006, 35 x 17 x 17"
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Dale Chihuly, Golden Sting Rays Putti on Citron Yellow Base, 1999

Golden Sting Rays Putti on Citron Yellow Base, 1999, 30 x 16 x 16"
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SEE THE PROCESS

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An international effort

Chihuly worked closely with Italian glass masters on the Putti series, creating a union of traditional glass practices with contemporary glass approaches. Measuring up to four feet in height, the Putti series typically employed large teams, ranging upwards of ten artists, working together.

Putt Sealife blow with Pino Signoretto (center), Chihuly and team, Museum of Glass, Tacoma, Washington, 2006

Chihuly, J.P. Canlis, and Pino Signoretto, The Boathouse hotshop, Seattle, 1998

Dale Chihuly, Putti Sealife Cylinder #6, 2000, 18 x 12 x 14"

Putti Sealife Cylinder #6, 2000, 8 x 12 x 14"
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Dale Chihuly, Clear and Gilded Peacock, 2013

Clear and Gilded Peacock, 2013, 17 x 22 x 22"
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Pink Putti Drawing, 1989, 30 x 22"

Putti on paper

Chihuly explored the possibilities of Putti in drawings, ranging from sketches sent via fax, to painted Works on Paper. His drawings frequently served as the model for Putti, as Pino Signoretto was quite adept in sculpting directly from objects or drawings.

“Somehow the Putti just look extraordinary in glass. Traditionally they were done in wood, or in plaster, or cast in bronze, and of course used in paintings. To me, the Putti look best made out of glass. I don't know what it is. Maybe it's because you can see through it. They’re happier in glass.”

–CHIHULY

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