Lace glass by Dave Chihuly

Since the late 1960s, American artist Dale Chihuly has been immersed in the art of glassblowing. His delicate masterpieces—vibrant, dynamic, and filled with light—can be seen at exhibitions across the United States and around the globe.

Recently, the artist unveiled a new collection titled “Merletto,” which translates from Italian to “lace.” This series, set to be showcased at the Traver Gallery in Seattle, reflects the results of Chihuly’s experiments with the ancient Italian glassblowing technique known as Merletto.

This method, invented by glassblowers on the Italian island of Murano in the 15th century—the birthplace of the renowned Murano glass—is used to create intricate and delicate patterns. According to Chihuly, he has reinterpreted this old Venetian technique, infusing his works with tenderness, dynamism, and lace-like elegance.