Ercole Barovier Murano Glass Hanging Lamp, Italy, 1930
About the Item
- Creator:Ercole Barovier (Designer),Barovier (Manufacturer)
- Dimensions:Height: 35.44 in (90 cm)Diameter: 18.51 in (47 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1930
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Amsterdam, NL
- Reference Number:
Ercole Barovier
Ercole Barovier left an indelible mark on the world of Italian modernist glassmaking — his vibrant use of color and exploration of innovative techniques yielded glass vases, chandeliers and other lighting and decorative objects that stand out in any interior many decades later.
Barovier grew up on the Venetian island of Murano, a region of the world famed for its production of artisanal glassworks. By the time he was born, in 1889, his family had already been in the glassmaking business for centuries, as the Barovier dynasty began in 1295. Nonetheless, Barovier did not choose glassmaking as his first career — he instead studied medicine as a young man before going on to work as a radio operator in the first World War.
The year after the war ended, Barovier joined his family’s business (over time, the manufactory’s names have included Fratelli Barovier, Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C. and Artisti Barovier). He was appointed artistic director in 1926, and subsequently managed the business with his brother Nicolò. From 1927 onward, Barovier was the chief designer at his family’s glassworks. He became sole proprietor in 1934, and in 1936, merged his own family business with the Venetian glass factory SAIAR Ferro Toso. They renamed the company Barovier & Toso, a name under which the company still operates today.
Early in his career, Barovier garnered praise for his work with murrine glass, one of the traditional arts for which Murano is widely known. In the 1930s, he began pushing the boundaries of tradition and experimenting with new ways to bring color into his glass objects.
Ercole Barovier is credited with having invented colorazione a caldo senza fusione, a method of introducing metals and oxides into glassworks. His style became defined by his use of riotous color and later, audacious forms. He created sculptures, table lamps and other pieces using mosaic techniques to add a kaleidoscope of striking hues to his work. Barovier had a particular gift to bring out glass’s unique properties to refract and filter light in every shade of the rainbow.
Barovier took endless inspiration from the world around him, from the play of light reflecting off the canals near his home to artworks from classical antiquity. Prior to World War II, his works included naturalistic designs including floral sconces, vine-wrapped chandeliers and sea life-inspired bowls (the manufactory was known for sinuous lighting pieces that are often described as embodying “Liberty Style” — the Italian term for Art Nouveau).
Barovier focused on reinterpreting classical techniques and styles in the postwar years. Geometrically patterned vases that recalled Ancient Greek pottery in their bold forms — as well as precisely detailed Art Deco glass serving bowls — are among his characteristic works from this period. Gold leaf was applied as a decorative flourish, and Barovier worked to ensure that his pieces reflected contemporary trends. His mid-century glass is particularly sought after by today’s collectors.
Up until his retirement in 1972, Barovier continued his exploration of the creative potential in glassmaking. His fearlessness in combining cutting-edge techniques with deeply traditional practices led him to create over 25,000 designs over the course of his life.
Barovier’s work garnered international acclaim. He received many awards and accolades, including awards at the Milan Triennial exhibitions in 1933 and 1954, the Paris Universal Exhibition in 1937, and the Compasso d'Oro in 1956.
On 1stDibs, find vintage Ercole Barovier lighting, decorative objects and serveware.
Barovier
The Barovier dynasty began in 1295, when Jacobello Barovier, mentioned in historical documents as a master glassblower, began pinching, cutting, blowing and twisting a molten mixture of sand and minerals into incandescent works of art. It remained entirely family-owned until the mid-20th century, when it merged with another glassworks to become Barovier&Toso.
Partnerships come and go within the community of glass-making artisans on the Venetian island of Murano, where business relationships seem as complex as the shifting alliances in the notoriously acrimonious Italian parliament. Formed in 1942 by members of families with centuries of experience in the craft, Barovier&Toso has proven to be one of the most enduring and prosperous Italian glass manufactories of recent decades. Under the nearly 50-year artistic directorship of cofounder Ercole Barovier (1889–1974), the company created buoyant traditional pieces such as chandeliers, sconces and other lighting fixtures, and it pioneered an array of innovative modernist glass designs with bold colors, patterns and surfaces.
To appeal to gentler, more conservative tastes, Barovier&Toso produced a range of lilting, sinuous lighting pieces that are often described as embodying “Liberty Style” — the Italian term for Art Nouveau, taken from the name of famed London department store Liberty & Co., which promoted 19th-century organic textile designs and Arts and Crafts-style furniture in the manner of William Morris. The hallmarks of the style in Barovier&Toso works are elements of glass in the shape of thick leaves, fronds and flower petals, deployed along with other naturalistic ornament in sconces, pendants and chandeliers.
Ercole Barovier began his personal aesthetic transition toward modernism in the 1930s with his Primavera series of vases and animal sculptures — idiosyncratic milky-white and clear glass filled with tiny bubbles and hairline interior fissures that he produced for Artisti Barovier, a firm headed by his father and uncle (the company also traded under Fratelli Barovier and Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C. throughout its history). Later, with Barovier&Toso, Ercole would explore such novel styles as the mosaic-like Pezzato glass; fluid Spiral patterns; the pebbly textured Barbarico line and the complex, layered and highly colored abstractions of the Oriente series of vases and bowls.
Traditional or modern, Barovier&Toso — still under family control — has produced one of the finest and most diverse catalogues of Murano glass in the last 100 years.
Shop antique Barovier chandeliers, sconces and other lighting and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Wilnis, Netherlands
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 2 days of delivery.
- Murano Glass Ceiling Lamp by Mazzega, Italy, circa 1960By MazzegaLocated in Amsterdam, NLEye-catching murano glass ceiling lamp by Mazzega, manufactured in Italy around 1960. This stunning piece consists of several high quality murano glass leaves, held together with ...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsBrass
- Angelo Brotto “Gaspare” Hanging Lamp for Esperia, Italy, 1970By Esperia, Angelo BrottoLocated in Amsterdam, NLThis stunning hanging lamp, model “Gaspare”, is an original vintage piece by Angelo Brotto, manufactured by Esperia in Italy, circa 1980. This is one of the most iconic designs by...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal, Chrome
- Large Disk Chandelier / Hanging Lamp by Vest Leuchten, Austria 1960By VEST LeuchtenLocated in Amsterdam, NLAn eye-catching, large chandelier / hanging lamp manufactured by Vest Leuchten in Austria around 1960. This is a beautiful Austrian lamp, made of high qu...Category
Vintage 1960s Austrian Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal
- Bohlmarks Ceiling Lamp from Sweden, 1930By BohlmarksLocated in Amsterdam, NLA wonderful ceiling lamp, manufactured by Bohlmarks in Sweden around 1930. This eye-catching piece is made of several satin glass rings, beautifully layered and allowing a really nice, warm light to emit. The light is nicely diffused by the cream / yellow glass center.It’s elegant design is made with a fine eye for detail! The metal holder has the same ringed pattern, which is the perfect finishing touch. This amazing quality piece of Scandinavian lighting...Category
Vintage 1930s Swedish Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal
- 1960s “Verona” Hanging lamp by Svend Middelboe for Nordisk Solar, DenmarkBy Nordisk Solar Co., Svend MiddelboeLocated in Amsterdam, NLA beautiful hanging lamp, model “Verona”, desined by Svend Middelboe and manufactured by Nordisk Solar in Denmark around 1960. This modern lamp is made of high quality aluminium in ...Category
Vintage 1960s Danish Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal
- Murano Glass Floor Lamp in the Manner of Barovier e Toso, circa 1940By Barovier&TosoLocated in Amsterdam, NLStunning Murano glass floor lamp in the manner of Barovier e Toso, manufactured in Italy around 1940. It has a uniquely constructed brass base covered in Murano glass, giving this...Category
Vintage 1940s French Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsBrass
- Murano Glass Lantern Attributed to Ercole BarovierBy Barovier, Ercole Barovier, Barovier&TosoLocated in Houston, TXMurano Glass lantern attributed to Ercole Barovier. This stunning Barovier attributed Murano lantern, circa 1940, is made of clear glass with gold inclusions and has been newly wire...Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Hollywood Regency Lanterns
MaterialsMurano Glass
- Ercole Barovier, Art Deco Murano Glass Pendant, Italy 1930sBy Ercole BarovierLocated in Catania, CTArt Deco Murano glass pendant produced in Italy during the 30s by Ercole Barovier. It is made from Murano glass and brass details with original patina. The central piece is made from...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsBrass
- Art Deco Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Italy, 1930sBy Ercole BarovierLocated in Frankfurt am Main, DEArt Deco Murano glass pendant by Ercole Barovier, Italy 1930-1939. Very elegant design centred by a Murano crystal glass tulip, brass mou...Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsCrystal, Brass
- Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 4 Arms Light, Italy, 1930sBy Ercole BarovierLocated in Brussels, BEMurano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 4 Arms Light, Italy, 1930sCategory
Vintage 1930s Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMurano Glass
- Restored 1930s Barovier Brass & Bubbled (Pulegoso) Murano Glass Pendant, ItalyBy Ercole Barovier, Barovier, Barovier&Toso, VeniniLocated in Grand Cayman, KYStunning, fully restored, 1930s Italian Art Deco Pendant By Barovier & Toso. Made of Murano Glass, hand made in Venice, Italy, this fixture features a polished brass frame, wrapped i...Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsArt Glass, Murano Glass
- Ercole Barovier, Rare "Graffito" Murano Glass Chandelier, Italy, 1960sBy Ercole BarovierLocated in Catania, CTVery rare "Graffito" Murano glass chandelier produced in Italy during the 60s and designed by Ercole Barovier. Bibl.: A. Dorigato "Ercole Barovier, vetraio muranese 1889-1974", Marsi...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMurano Glass