Dancing Red Elephant Chalice

Donavon Boutz, Dancing Red Elephant Chalice, 1999, blown, lampworked and modeled colored glass, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Suzan Benzle in honor of Jean O. Boutz, 1999.22.2, © 1999, Donovan J. Boutz
Copied Donavon Boutz, Dancing Red Elephant Chalice, 1999, blown, lampworked and modeled colored glass, 16 5⁄8 x 3 3⁄4 in. (42.3 x 9.6 cm.) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Suzan Benzle in honor of Jean O. Boutz, 1999.22.2, © 1999, Donovan J. Boutz

Artwork Details

Title
Dancing Red Elephant Chalice
Artist
Date
1999
Location
Dimensions
16 5⁄8 x 3 3⁄4 in. (42.3 x 9.6 cm.) diam.
Copyright
© 1999, Donovan J. Boutz
Credit Line
Gift of Suzan Benzle in honor of Jean O. Boutz
Mediums
Mediums Description
blown, lampworked and modeled colored glass
Classifications
Keywords
  • Performing arts — circus
  • Animal — elephant
Object Number
1999.22.2
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1999.22.2

Artwork Description

Donavon Boutz offers a humorous blend of human and animal forms in his traditional glassware styles. The elephant and salmon (see 1999.22.3) in these two chalices support the jewel-like encrusted vessels, challenging the functional purpose of the stem and creating a form that is more about wit and fantasy than utility.