Glasswork is an art that is at least 3,600 years old, with nearly all early civilizations discovering this marvel through the metalsmithing process. For more than half a century, Dale Chihuly has pioneered a movement in glassblowing, pushing the material to its limits while also celebrating its innate qualities. In his second collaboration with The Rug Company, Masterpieces II, Chihuly explores a multitude of fibers and colors to create a bold line of unique rugs. With custom pile and size options available, any interior would benefit from these playful pieces.
Oyster is overwhelmingly reminiscent of a wind-brushed shore. Drawing upon visuals created in Chihuly’s Macchia, the translucent layers that are synonymous with the series are translated elegantly into fiber art. The geographical influences of this piece cannot be understated, boulders of color nestled together on a sand-lined beach. Various forms of lichens and seaweed dot the rug, settling into their natural environments. Layers of rock and water crash upon each other constantly, laying their ancient knowledge to rest on the sand.
The Scallop design is marked with rippling shadowed waves and round, inky jewels of dye. The composition is gives nod to flowing sand dunes and shallow tides, with salt spray adorning the base color – which is a lovely cream. Delicate blue shades ground this visage in nature, adding atmospheric perspective with just a thoughtful hue change.
The Coho rug is brilliantly colored and creatively showcases the muted yet fanciful nature of the Masterpieces II collaboration. Composed of 32 unique colors, layers of translucency make way for splashes and dots of color in this statement piece. Inspired by Chihuly’s Blanket Cylinders, this design is a feast for the eyes, woven in premium silk and wool for a soft, plush product.
The undulating hues of blue and gray swirling around the River rug are at once moving and calming, evoking feelings of incandescent tranquility. One can almost feel the translucence of the water, rippling off once more to become calm and still.
River Shell, the warmer, muted sister of River is inspired by Chihuly’s Persians series. This design showcases the undulating, repetitive nature of glass in the patterns of hand-knotted yarn. Light seems to glint off the rug’s surface, adding a special translucency and brightness to the piece. One could almost step right in, warmed by the waves lapping at ankles.
The Chihuly x The Rug Company’s Masterpieces II collection is available now at therugcompany.com. To learn more about Chihuly’s prolific career, click here.
Growing up in NYC has given Aria a unique perspective into art + design, constantly striving for new projects to get immersed in. An avid baker, crocheter, and pasta maker, handwork and personal touch is central to what she loves about the built environment. Outside of the city, she enjoys hiking, biking, and learning about space.