'The Persians started out as a search for new forms. I set up Martin Blank and Robbie Miller in a corner of the hotshop at Pilchuck. I would make large pencil drawings for them with a couple of dozen small forms, and then I would put an X under the ones I wanted them to go for. Over the next year, we made more than 1,000 miniature experimental forms.' Dale Chihuly

Chihuly conducted his first Persians experiments in 1998. Starting with rather small forms, his works grew over time to large pieces including some room-size installations. The name Persians hints at associations with early glass styles, and reflects the fusion of Eastern and Western styles. Chihuly's awareness of these historical connections and the assimilation of Persian, Byzantine and eastern stylistic influences in Venetian art grew during his time at the Venini factory in Venice.