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The Barovier dynasty began in 1295, when Jacobello Barovier, mentioned in historical documents as a master glassblower, began pinching, cutting, blowing and twisting a molten mixture of sand and minerals into incandescent works of art.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.
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
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
"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
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
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
Barovier & Toso, Cornice portafoto, anni '40
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Rivoli, IT
Cornice portafotografie in vetro lavorato a torchon e dettagli in ottone, prod. muranese anni '40 Buone condizioni di conservazione
Brass
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
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
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
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. Bea...
Murano Glass
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
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
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
Rare Large Pair Murano / Venini Torchon Picture Frames, c.1950
By Venini
Located in Bath, GB
A rare and very large pair of vintage Italian Venini photograph frames, extremely heavy and in beautiful condition. The twisted glass is flecked with gold with gilded brass fittings....
Blown Glass
Modern Pink Murano Glass and Brass Picture Frame
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorative gold Murano glass picture frame. Featuring beautiful textured glistening glass. Also available in other colors as you can see in the pictures. Makes a fabulous accessory...
Murano 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
$1,399
H 8.08 in Dm 5.52 in
Ercole Barovier Rostrato Murano Glass Italian Vase for Barovier & Toso, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic mouth-blown rostrato crystal Murano glass vase. This marvelous decorative piece was realized during the 1940s in Italy by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso. In fabulous ...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$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
Murano Glass Picture Frame
Located in Dallas, TX
Gorgeous Murano glass and brass large scale picture frame. 10x13 overall. 7x9 interior. Perfect for today's transitional designs!
Blown Glass
1940s Shell Picture Frame (with glass)
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1940s Shell Picture Frame (with glass) Shell with crack in it (as shown) Stand not sold with frame Hinged arm missing from back of frame
Shell
Modern Italian Murano Barovier Toso Art Glass Vase
By Barovier&Toso
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful attributed to Barovier e Toso, small and substantial Modern Italian Murano art glass vase with a controlled bubble design and a pink 'Ombre' coloring with shimmering g...
Art Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass
Venetian Murano Italian Barovier & Toso Art Glass Pheasant Bird Sculpture
By Murano Glass Sommerso, Barovier&Toso
Located in San Diego, CA
Exquisite Venetian Murano Barovier & Toso Italian art glass gold fleck hand blown figural pheasant bird sculpture figure. Great form and color. Has gold fleck throughout the head...
Art Glass
Vintage Murano Pezzato Art Glass Ashtray by Barovier & Toso 1950s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Murano Pezzato Art Glass Ashtray by Barovier & Toso 1950s A heavy Murano art glass ashtray designed by Ercole Barovier and manufactured by Barovier & Toso, Italy circa 1950s. Heavy hot moulded glass internally decorated with opaline and light green glass plates...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
$850
H 3.75 in W 2.5 in D 7.25 in
Barovier Toso Murano Pink Blue Gold Fleck Italian Art Glass Love Birds Sculpture
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown sky blue, pink, controlled bubbles and gold flecks Italian art glass love birds sculpture. The piece is documented to the Barovier e Toso Company....
Gold Leaf
$1,516
H 10.63 in W 8.27 in D 1.19 in
1990s Barovier Style Art Deco Blue Murano Glass and Brass Picture Frame
By Barovier
Located in Aci Castello, IT
A blue Murano glass picture frame designed and manufactured in Venice in the style of Barovier, it's in lovely condition, probably never used, it comes from a shop going out of busin...
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
Barovier Toso 21st Century Multicolor Filigrana Murano Glass Photo Frame
By Barovier&Toso
Located in New York, NY
21st century modern sophisticated and elegant contemporary picture frame in thick blown Murano glass: the crystal clear glass frame worked with “torchon” technique, handcrafted twisted blown Murano glass that amplifies the reflections, is accentuated with the use of filigrana technique in multicolour. Thin lines that like a ribbon twist around the crystal glass frame. "Filigrana' is a traditional technique, which dates back to the 16th century. Long glass rods (transparent, coloured or lattimo glass) are superimposed, intertwined and fused. The rod is wrapped around a glass cylinder and blown into shape and /or formed with glass-making tools. A master blower is recognised through their ability to keep each line of color separate, with same thickness and curvature around the glass, as all is carried out with speed as the glass cools. On a manufactured bronze support bearing the engraved Barovier Toso signature. A collector piece. Photo placement: 4.3 inches W x 6.25 H. Other colors available. Visit 1stdibs Cosulich Interiors & Antiques store front.
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 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, Barovier&Toso, Venini, Paolo Venini, Carlo Scarpa
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 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
Barovier & Toso Photo Frame in Murano Glass, 1940s
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Splendid Italian photo frame crafted by the renowned Barovier & Toso in the 1940s. Made with hand-blown Murano glass, its design features an intricate twisted and ribbed pattern, sho...
Brass