Object Details
Artist
Sonja Blomdahl, born Waltham, MA 1952
Luce Center Label
Bowl #B486 exemplifies Sonja Blomdahl’s mastery of incalmo, an ancient Venetian glass-blowing technique. Also known as “the double-bubble,” incalmo is a complex method that demands great precision: it joins together glass bubbles with the same opening diameter while they are still white-hot. This high temperature enables Blomdahl to create bowls that have two distinct color fields, which are layered top to bottom as well as inside and out, drawing the viewer’s attention to the shape and color of the vessel.
Luce Object Quote
“As an artist my focus has been with the vessel. . . . Color is often the ‘joy’ in making a piece. I want the colors to glow and react with each other. The clear band between the colors acts as an optic lens. It moves the color around and allows you to see into the piece.” Artist’s statement
Credit Line
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Marjorie and Jack Rachlin
Date
1986
Object number
2003.51
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
Decorative Arts
Crafts
Medium
glass
Dimensions
8 5/8 × 13 1/8 × 13 1/8 in. (21.9 × 33.3 × 33.3 cm)
See more items in
Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
Department
Renwick Gallery
On View
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 4th Floor, 53A
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Luce Foundation Center, 4th Floor
Data Source
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
saam_2003.51