Stained Glass with Butterflies: A Symbol of Beauty and Transformation
IKO Studio invites you on a journey through the most stunning stained glass with butterflies, exploring masterpieces by contemporary and historical artists from around the world.
The Allure of Butterflies in Stained Glass Art
Butterflies, symbols of transformation and lightness, have always been a source of inspiration for those who create stained glass with butterflies. Their natural beauty and the vivid colors of their wings perfectly lend themselves to the magic of colored glass.
This year, Damien Hirst brought butterflies back into the spotlight with works reminiscent of Gothic rose windows. His creations, displayed at the Tate Modern Gallery in London, use real butterfly wings, sparking debates while reigniting interest in this artistic theme.
Butterflies in Stained Glass: A Journey Through Time
has a rich tradition, from the historic masterpieces of Tiffany & Co. to the modern works of contemporary artists. Here are some of the most representative creations:
“The Butterfly Window” by Tiffany & Co. (1885)
This iconic stained glass, originally created for Louis Comfort Tiffany‘s private residence, is one of the few surviving works from his magnificent estate. It depicts a flock of yellow-orange butterflies fluttering around a Japanese lamp and is now housed in the Morse Museum in Florida.
The main features of this Tiffany stained glass window with butterflies are that a fragment of Middle Eastern glass from the 4th-6th century was used, while some glass pieces are embellished on the back with a very thin gold leaf that reflects the light.
“Butterflies and Foliage” by John La Farge (1889)
Displayed at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, this stunning example of stained glass with butterflies was crafted using opalescent glass, a revolutionary invention by La Farge in the 1880s. This type of glass, characterized by a blend of colors and a soft translucency, remains popular for creating Tiffany-style lamps today.
John Piper and Butterflies as a Symbol of Resurrection
Butterflies in Piper’s stained glass carry profound spiritual symbolism. John Piper (1903-1992), a versatile British artist, blended modernity and tradition in his works, often drawing inspiration from religious and natural themes. His collaboration with master glassmaker Patrick Reyntiens produced extraordinary pieces, such as the Coventry Cathedral windows, a symbol of post-war renewal.
Contemporary Works: Creativity and Innovation
Aidan MacRae Thompson’s Butterflies
An artist and friend I admire and have had the pleasure of collaborating with in England is Aidan MacRae Thompson. Aidan created a stained glass window for the Nuneaton Mortuary, where butterflies fly around the Tree of Life. These stained glass butterfly windows demonstrate how the theme can be interpreted in a contemporary way.
Judson Portzer and the Vanessa Io Butterfly
American artist Judson Portzer crafted a stunning Vanessa Io butterfly painted on glass using grisaille and enamels. This work exemplifies another extraordinary approach to stained glass with butterflies in modern art.
Butterflies by IKO Studio
At IKO Studio, we have embraced the magic of stained glass with butterflies on various occasions. Guided by our passion, our butterflies are meticulously painted with grisaille and transparent enamels.
Stained glass window with butterflies and datura flowers, this work was made on commission to be inserted in a door. Learn more about this leaded stained glass window with butterflies
Detail of a commission of two lamps made with the Tiffany technique for an apartment in Rome. On each side of the two lamps are painted butterflies all different colored in yellow or orange. Find out more about these lamps with butterflies
Small circular panel with a painted butterfly of the species commonly called peacock. This panel was made to be inserted in a window positioned above a door.
Detail of a small leaded glass window with butterflies to be inserted on a backlit structure to complete an exclusive and one-of-a-kind wall lamp.
Share Your Passion for Butterflies!
Stained glass with butterflies continues to inspire artists worldwide. While Pinterest offers countless examples, many are AI-generated. Explore and share genuine creations with us! Share your photos and comments below—we’d love to hear from you.
Commission Your Own Stained Glass with Butterflies!
If you’re captivated by the beauty and symbolism of butterflies, why not transform that inspiration into a unique piece for your home? At IKO Studio, we specialize in crafting custom stained glass with butterflies to reflect your style and emotions. Whether it’s a window, door, divider, or exclusive lamp, we’ll bring your vision to life.
But what are the prices for a stained glass window with butterflies? Since each stained glass window is entirely handmade and every piece is unique and original, providing an immediate answer is not easy. However, we have created a dedicated page on stained glass prices to help you and avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Contact us to discuss your ideas and create a harmonious blend of art, light, and nature together.
