Feb 07, 2024
Dale Chihuly is one of the most popular artists in the world. Best known for his large-scale glass installations, including his iconic Chihuly chandeliers, the artist creates work of all sizes and in all mediums. His career has been a journey of constant innovation, pioneering new techniques in handblown glass forms, color application, and painting. In this guide, we aim to demystify the factors that determine Dale Chihuly prices. We will explore the price range for all mediums, including Chihuly glass, paintings, and large-scale installations, as well as the factors that influence their valuation.
How Much Does a Chihuly Chandelier Cost
Dale Chihuly chandeliers cost can vary widely based on several factors, including size, composition, and provenance. Size is the most important factor. For a small installation, a Chihuly glass chandelier price can start as low as $60,000. Medium size chandeliers with a diameter of 4’ to 5’ typically sell for $150,000-$250,000. Based on the shape and density, the number of pieces of glass components in a Chihuly chandelier of that size can vary from 150 to 750. Larger chandleries typically sell for more. The largest known Chihuly chandelier measured 12’ x 12’ and was made up of more than 2,000 individual glass pieces. That work, sold privately, was independently appraised for $3,150,000. Beyond size, compositional qualities like form and color along with provenance can increase or decrease Chihuly chandelier cost.
"Record Chihuly Chandelier Sale"
Typical Cost for Chihuly Chandelier: $60,000 to $3.25 million
High-End Cost for Chihuly Chandelier: $3.25 million
How Much Does Chihuly Glass Cost
Throughout his career, Chihuly has created many beautiful works of glass art. Chihuly glass price can run the gamut from approximately $1,000 up to $100,000. Chihuly cost is typically determined by size, year, date, rarity, and composition. Earlier glass works, from when Chihuly worked with smaller teams and created smaller edition sizes, are typically the most valuable. The larger and more complex the composition the higher the price it will typically sell for, with large, multi-piece sets at the top of the price range. Glass works that are unique and not part of any edition or series will yield the highest Chihuly glass cost. Although Chihuly created several notable series including Baskets, Persian, macchia, Ikebanas, and Seaforms, the prices among the series are consistent, with other factors more important in determining the cost of Chihuly glass.
Typical Cost for Chihuly Glass: $6,000 to $30,000
High-End Cost for Chihuly Glass: $35,000 to $100,000
How Much Does a Chihuly Print Cost?
Dale Chihuly prints are very popular among collectors, providing an option for two-dimensional art at a fraction of the cost of an original Chihuly painting. Chihuly print prices typically fall between $1,000 and $4,000. Size, rarity, and composition can all influence Chihuly prices in print series. Similar to original Chihuly paintings, larger prints are considerably more expensive than smaller sizes. Beyond size, Chihuly’s most popular and expensive prints tend to feature bright colors and compositions that directly reference his glass art. In particular, prints that reference specific, recognizable installations like “Chihuly over Venice” are highly demanded.
Typical Cost for Chihuly Prints: $1,000 to $4,000
High-End Cost for Chihuly Prints: $4,000
How Much Does a Chihuly Installation Cost?
Unlike his smaller glass works or prints, estimating the price of Chihuly installations is nearly impossible. The artist’s large-scale installations are often entirely bespoke, one-of-a-kind creations. The value is dependent on many factors including size, complexity, composition, provenance, and exhibition history. Examples of installations including large Chihuly chandeliers, Persian ceilings like the one at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, and towering glass sculptures like one in Chihuly’s garden shows.
Smaller Chihuly installations prices can begin near $100,000, while larger, more famous installations can easily cost $10 million and beyond.
"Chihuly Art Blossoms at Bellagio and Beyond"
Conclusion
We hope this guide has helped you determine what glass work and prints by Chihuly cost. A tremendous number of factors make up the valuation for these popular and complex works of art.
For more information, please see Modern Artifact’s current selection of Chihuly glass and prints at all price points: "Dale Chihuly Artwork"
