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.
The Barovier dynasty began in 1295, when Jacobello Barovier, mentioned in historical documents as a master glassblower, began pinching, cutting, blowing and twisting a molten mixture of sand and minerals into incandescent works of art.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.
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. Later, with Barovier&Toso, he 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.
Find antique Barovier&Toso chandeliers, serveware, decorative objects and more on 1stDibs.
Set of Three Murano Glass Table Frames by Barovier & Toso, Italy, Mid-20th C.
By Barovier&Toso
Located in New York, NY
Set of three table frames in twisted Murano glass with brass mounts and inner frames. Each frame is fitted with a rear support stand. Stamped on the reverse: Barovier Toso Murano. Di...
Brass
Murano Pink Photo Frame by Barovier e Toso
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage photo frame with hand blown clear and pink Murano "Torciglione" glass border / Designed by Barovier e Toso circa 1960's / Original mark on frame / Made in Italy Measures: He...
Brass
Midcentury italian Murano glass picture frame by Barovier & Toso, 1940
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Elegant medium Murano glass picture frame by Barovier & Toso, Italy 1940. Signed in the brass frame The hand blown Murano glass has been twisted and shaped in the Torchon to cr...
Brass
60s Italian Ritorto clear blown glass picture frame by Barovier and Toso Murano
By Barovier&Toso
Located in London, GB
1960s Italian “Ritorto” technique, clear blown glass picture Frame by Barovier and Toso This hand-blown clear glass picture frame utilizing...
Blown Glass
Murano Light Blue Photo Frame by Barovier e Toso
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage photo frame with hand blown clear and light blue Murano "Torciglione" glass border / Designed by Barovier e Toso circa 1960's / Original mark on frame / Made in Italy. Measu...
Brass
Barovier and Toso murano glass picture frame. Italy c1949
By Barovier&Toso
Located in London, GB
Orignal Barovier and Toso glass picture frame. Italy c1949 Larger size. Glass in wonderful condition no damages. Brass has lovely original patina Actual glass frame 3cm deep.
Brass
Barovier and Toso Torchon glass with brass picture frame
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Ferndale, MI
Italian frame is comprised of a thick handmade Murano glass border in a sparkling hue . The Murano glass has been twisted and shaped in the Torchon style creating a thick ribbed tex...
Brass
"Torchon" Murano Art Glass Mirror, Signed Barovier-Toso Murano, 1950s
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Brescia, IT
"Torchon" clear glass and brass details Perfect condition.
Brass
An orignal 1940s Murano glass and brass picture frame by Barovier and Toso
By Barovier&Toso
Located in London, GB
An orignal 1940s Murano glass picture frame by Barovier and Toso, with thick clear glass woven twist frame, with inner brass frame, top centre detailing and stand. Stamped on the bra...
Brass
Barovier & Toso, Photo Frame, 1940s
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Rivoli, IT
Photo frame made of torchon-patterned glass with brass details, produced in Murano in the 1940s Good conservation condition
Brass
$3,198Sale Price|20% Off
BAROVIER & TOSO 1935 Art Deco Round Torchon Picture Frame In Art-Glass & Bronze
By Barovier&Toso, Angelo Barovier
Located in Miami, FL
An art glass and bronze picture frame designed by Barovier & Toso. This is a very rare and amazing Torchon round picture frame created in Murano Venice by Barovier & Toso. T...
Crystal, Brass, Bronze
Barovier and Toso murano glass picture frame. Italy c1949
By Barovier&Toso
Located in London, GB
Orignal Barovier and Toso glass picture frame. Italy c1949 Larger size. Glass in wonderful condition no damages. Brass has lovely original patina Actual glass frame 3cm deep.
Brass
Murano glass frame, Barovier & Toso, 1940s
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Vicenza, VI
Murano glass frame, with the "Barovier & Toso" mark on the support rod. Handcrafted and featuring a distinctive spiral pattern that covers the entire surface of the glass. It featur...
Brass
Midcentury italian Murano glass frame by Barovier & Toso, 1940
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Elegant Murano glass picture frame by Barovier & Toso, Italy 1940. The hand blown Murano glass has been twisted and shaped in the Torchon to create a thick ribbed texture. Beautif...
Murano Glass
Original Torciglione Glass Picture Frame by Barovier & Toso, Murano, c.1935
By Barovier&Toso
Located in London, GB
An original 1930s 'Torciglione' clear glass picture frame produced by one of the most prestigious glass manufacturers in Italy, Barovier &am...
Brass
Barovier & Toso, Photo Frame, 1940s
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Rivoli, IT
Photo frame Twisted Murano glass structure with brass frame and support, designed and manufactured by Barovier & Toso 1940ties
Earthenware, Glass
Barovier & Toso, Photo Frame, 1940s
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Rivoli, IT
Photo frame Twisted Murano glass structure with brass frame and support, designed and manufactured by Barovier & Toso 1940ties
Earthenware, Glass
Barovier & Toso, Photo Frame, 1940s
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Rivoli, IT
Photo frame Twisted Murano glass structure with brass frame and support, designed and manufactured by Barovier & Toso 1940ties
Earthenware, Glass
Hand Blown Murano Glasss Frame by Barovier & Toso
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Brussels, BE
Hand Blown Murano Glasss Frame by Barovier & Toso Barovier & Toso is one of the oldest family businesses in the world. It was founded in 1295, originally named “Barovier”. It is li...
Murano Glass
Sold|$1,832
H 9.85 in W 7.88 in D 1.19 in
1930s Barovier Attributed Art Deco Clear Murano Glass and Brass Picture Frame
By Barovier
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This exquisite 1930s Art Deco picture frame perfectly embodies the refined elegance of Italian craftsmanship, heavily reminiscent of the iconic Barovier style. It features a spectacu...
Brass
$1,220
H 10.5 in W 8.5 in D 1 in
Beautiful Clear Twisted Murano Glass and Brass Picture Frame by Barovier E Toso
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A gorgeous Murano art glass photo frame by Barovier & Toso, Murano, Italy, circa 1950 or older. Made of clear glass with bronze brass liner and easel. Original wooden back and photo...
Brass
Italian Photo Frame Handmade Wood, Double Heart
By Laura G Art with Heart
Located in Sarezzo, IT
Double Heart is a unique arge Italian hand crafted wood double photo frame by sculptor Massimo Pasini. Wood is a very warm material and it is very m...
Wood
Art Deco Bakelite Set of Photograph Frames, Set of Three
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Very nice group of three bakelite picture frames. Art Deco style. The rectangulars measure 13.2 cm by 9.8 cm and the round one 13.2 cm diameter. Very good conditions. We have specia...
Bakelite
Pair of Large Mid-20th Century Shagreen Photo Frames, circa 1960
Located in London, GB
A pair of large mid-20th century shagreen photo frames with silver corners circa 1960. This great pair of shagreen frames in a beautiful muted taupe color the silver corners are unm...
Sterling Silver
$300Sale Price|25% Off
H 4 in W 2.5 in D 3.25 in
Barovier Toso Murano Pink Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Bird Figurine Sculpture
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown clear, dark pink, and bubbles Italian art glass baby bird figurine. Documented to the Barovier e Toso Company. I have owned several with labels be...
Gold Leaf
$1,534
H 4.34 in Dm 10.63 in
Murano Glass Bowl, Attributed to Barovier & Toso, Italy, Mid-20th Century
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Palermo, PA
This refined Murano glass bowl is executed in a very pale green hue, giving it a light and elegant presence. The bowl is distinguished by its highly decorative upper rim, featuring a...
Murano Glass
$5,725
H 17.72 in W 15.75 in D 9.85 in
"Torchon" Murano Art Glass Mirror, Signed Barovier-Toso Murano, 1950s
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Brescia, IT
"Torchon" clear glass and brass details Perfect condition.
Brass
Midcentury italian Murano glass frame by Barovier & Toso, 1940
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Elegant Murano glass picture frame by Barovier & Toso, Italy 1940. The hand blown Murano glass has been twisted and shaped in the Torchon to create a thick ribbed texture. Beautif...
Murano Glass
Barovier e Toso Vase Murano Glass, 1940, Italy
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Milano, IT
Barovier e Toso vase murano glass, 1940, Italy.
Murano Glass
Murano glass frame, Barovier & Toso, 1940s
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Vicenza, VI
Murano glass frame, with the "Barovier & Toso" mark on the support rod. Handcrafted and featuring a distinctive spiral pattern that covers the entire surface of the glass. It featur...
Brass
Italian Photo Frame Enamel Blue and Silver , Laura G Heart Blue
By Laura G Art with Heart
Located in Sarezzo, IT
Laura G Heart Blue is a small gilt photo frame fully handcrafted , a perfect gift for every occasion. Each one of us wants to express love in a gift...
Silver
Sold
H 7.88 in W 7.09 in D 5.91 in
Barovier & Toso Cornice Portafoto in Vetro di Murano e Ottone, Italia 1950s
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Naples, IT
Elegante cornice in vetro di Murano di Barovier & Toso, Italia, 1950. Il vetro di Murano soffiato a mano è stato intrecciato e modellato con la tecnica del «torchon» per creare un mo...
Brass
Barovier & Toso Murano Blue Glass Picture Frame, Brass, Italy
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Astoria, NY
Barovier and Toso Murano Aquamarine Blue Glass and Brass Picture Frame, unmarked. 9" H x 7.25" W x 4.75" D. Provenance: From a One Central Park West Estate.
Brass
Barovier & Toso Murano Glass Picture Frame
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Astoria, NY
Barovier and Toso Murano Aventurine Glass and Brass Picture Frame, unmarked. 7.75" H x 9.5" W x 5.5" D. Provenance: From a One Central Park West Estate.
Brass
Italian Murano Twist Glass Picture Frame in golden color
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Murano Twist Glass Picture Frame in Golden color glitter Italian Modern Murano twist glass and brass picture frame, in golden color glitter/transparent color. Suits for 5x7"...
Murano Glass
Italian Murano Twist Glass Picture Frame in Pink
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Morazzone, Varese
Italian Murano Twist Glass Picture Frame in Pink Italian Modern Murano twist glass and brass picture frame, in pink/transparent color. Suits for 5x7" picture. A thick Murano glass...
Murano Glass
Barovier And Toso Murano Glass Frame
By Ercole Barovier, Carlo Scarpa, Paolo Venini, Barovier&Toso, Venini
Located in Houston, TX
Barovier And Toso Murano Glass Frame. Offered is a stunning original, (not a modern inferior copy) Murano glass picture or photo frame of beautiful gold infused glass with bronze tri...
Bronze
Sold
H 10.04 in W 8.08 in D 1.19 in
An orignal 1940s Murano "torchon" glass picture frame by Barovier & Toso
By Barovier&Toso
Located in London, GB
An orignal 1940s Murano hand blown, "torchon" glass picture frame by Barovier & Toso, with brass inner frame, centre detail and stand. The patina of the brass is original but this co...
Brass
Sold
H 12.25 in W 10 in D 1.25 in
Large Vintage Barovier & Toso Emerald Green and Gold Murano Glass Picture Frame
By Barovier&Toso
Located in New York, NY
Large Vintage Barovier & Toso Emerald Green and Gold Murano Glass Picture Frame with Brass Mounting. Excellent vintage condition with age appropriate wear. No chips, cracks, or rep...
Brass
Sold
H 8.5 in W 6.75 in D 1.25 in
Vintage Barovier & Toso Emerald Green and Gold Murano Glass Picture Frame
By Barovier&Toso
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Barovier & Toso Emerald Green and Gold Murano Glass Picture Frame with Brass Mounting. Excellent vintage condition with age appropriate wear. No chips, cracks, or repairs. ...
Brass
Sold
H 14.97 in W 11.82 in D 2.37 in
Barovier & Toso Murano Glass Picture Frame with Brass Ribbon, Italy, 1950s
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Glasgow, GB
A striking and rare large-format Murano glass picture frame by Barovier & Toso, handcrafted on the Venetian island of Murano during the 1950s. Known for their technical innovation ...
Gold
Oval Murano Glass Picture Frame by Barovier & Toso 1950s Italy
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Glasgow, GB
A striking example of mid-century Murano glass, this oval picture frame by Barovier & Toso was handcrafted in the 1950s on the famed Venetian island of Murano, Italy. The thick, un...
Brass
Sold
H 11.82 in W 14.97 in D 2.37 in
Murano Glass Picture Frame, Landscape Aperture by Barovier and Toso c. 1950s
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Glasgow, GB
A rare landscape aperture Barovier & Toso Murano Glass picture frame, Italy, 1950s An exceptional example of mid-century Murano craftsmanship, this large-scale picture frame was pro...
Gold