The Barovier dynasty began in 1295, when Jacobello Barovier, mentioned in historical documents as a master glassblower, began pinching, cutting, blowing and twisting a molten mixture of sand and minerals into incandescent works of art.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.
Barovier Pair of Murano Glass and Brass Flower Sconces, Italy 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous pair of Art Deco Murano sconces by Barovier. These rare bellflower-shaped sconces were produced in Italy during the late 1940s. Fully original and in amazing condition, wi...
Brass
Barovier Pair of Murano Glass and Brass Flower Sconce, Italy 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Art Deco Murano sconce by Ercole Barovier. This bellflower-shaped sconce was produced in Italy during the late 1940s. In fabulous condition, with no chips or cracks. This ...
Brass
Large Pair of Murano Glass and Brass Flower Sconces, by Barovier, Italy 1950s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous large pair of bellflower-shaped sconces in Murano mouth-blown crystal glass and solid brass. These wonderful lights were produced in Italy by Barovier during the 1940s. In...
Brass
Barovier Large Triple Murano Rostrato Glass and Brass Table Lamp, Italy, 1940s
By Barovier, (After) Gio Ponti
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique large table lamp fully made of Murano mouth-blown “rostrato” glass and brass. This incredibly charming table lamp was designed by Ercole Barovier and produced in...
Brass
Barovier Large Leaf Sconce in Murano Glass and Brass, Italy 1950s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Magnificent large leaf-shaped sconce in Murano mouth-blown crystal glass and solid brass. This stunning and unique light was designed by Barovier and produced in Italy during the ear...
Brass
Barovier Large Adjustable Murano Glass and Brass Flower Sconces, Italy 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous large pair of Art Deco Murano wall sconces by Ercole Barovier. These unique bellflower adjustable sconces were produced in Italy during the 1940s. In fabulous condition wi...
Brass
Large Pair of Barovier Murano Rostrato Glass Table Lamps, Italy 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning pair of table lamps in Murano “Rostrato” crystal glass. These incredibly charming and rare table lamps were designed by Barovier and produced in Murano, Italy, during the 19...
Brass
Barovier Murano "Rostrato" Murano Glass and Brass Table Lamp, Italy 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and very rare Murano glass table lamp entirely made in "rostrato" mouth-blown Murano glass with brass accents. This unique table lamp is incredibly charming and was designe...
Brass
Barovier Murano Glass and Brass Flower Sconce, Italy 1950s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous mid-century bellflower-shaped sconce in Murano mouth-blown crystal glass and solid brass. This wonderful light was produced in Italy by Barovier during the 1950s. In fanta...
Brass
Midcentury Murano Glass and Brass Leaf Sconces by Barovier, Italy 1950s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Magnificent mid-century leaf sconces in Murano hand-blown crystal glass and solid brass. These wonderful and rare lights were designed in Italy by Barovier in the 1950s. Fully origi...
Brass
Pair of Midcentury Murano Glass and Brass Leaf Sconces, by Barovier, Italy 1950s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Magnificent pair of mid-century leaf sconces in Murano hand-blown crystal glass and solid brass. These wonderful and rare lights were designed in Italy by Barovier in the 1950s. Ful...
Brass
Barovier and Toso Flush Mount Crystal Fronds Light Fixture~ Signed
By Barovier
Located in New York, NY
A large Barovier and Toso flush mount light fixture featuring one round tier of overlapping large, curved hand-blown frosted palm leaves ...
Crystal, Metal
Barovier "Pinecone" Murano Rostrato Glass Large Table Lamp, Italy, 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Magnificent pinecone shaped table lamp fully made in mouth-blown Murano “Rostrato” glass. This incredibly rare and elegant lamp was produced by Barovier in Murano, Italy during the 1...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Flush Mount with Pink and Clear Murano Glass by Barovier & Toso, Italy
By Barovier
Located in Rijssen, NL
An elegant hand blown Murano glass flush mount in the style of Barovier & Toso. Mounted on a white frame. With light pink and clear colored glass. The textured glass refract light be...
Brass
Monumental Art Deco Style Dome-Shaped Ceiling Fixture by Barovier, UL Certified
By Barovier
Located in Westport, CT
Rare opportunity to offer a very thickly blown icy warm off-white Murano ceiling fixture by Barovier & Toso, blown originally in one piece and then cut into 27 sleeves. Note 26 sleev...
Blown Glass
Barovier Semi Flush Mount, Italy 1950
By Barovier
Located in Bronx, NY
Barovier glass chandelier, 1950 Italy. Patinated metal frame holding 30 pieces of thick press glass, 20 original European Edison sockets that...
Metal
$2,373 / set
H 7.49 in Dm 4.34 in
Mid-Century pair of Ercole Barovier Murano glass and brass table lamps. 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Catania, CT
Set of two small table lamps designed by Ercole Barovier during the 40s. Good vintage condition with normal trace of age and use but a crack on a brass socket as shown in pictures. G...
Brass
1950s Italian Pink Glass Leaf Sconce
By Barovier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful blown glass sconce from Italy, 1950s. Pink etched glass in the shape of a leaf with brass hardware. Newly re-wired with single socket and new circular brass backplate. Take...
Brass
Italian Designer, Table Lamps, Murano Glass, Brass, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A pair of brass and murano glass table lamps designed and produced in Italy, c. 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 5.75” H x 4.5” Diameter Dimensions of Shade (inches): 3.25” Top ...
Brass
$3,980 / set
H 13.5 in W 9.75 in D 3.75 in
Italian Pair of Abstract Modern Gold Silver and Crystal Murano Glass Sconces
Located in New York, NY
Contemporary Venetian pair of elegant modernist geometric wall lights/ flush mounts, abstract sculpture Design, entirely handcrafted and cleverly composed of three sophisticated text...
Brass, Silver Leaf, Metal, Gold Leaf
$9,938 / set
H 53.15 in W 8.86 in D 3.94 in
Large Contemporary Pair of Brass Sconces Geometrical Murano Glass, Italy
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Large pair of sconces wall lights lighting lamps panels or flush mount. Contemporary work, small italian artisanal workshop, few exclusive production. Full brass and Murano glass. In...
Brass
Sconce / Flush Mount in Glass and Brass
Located in Antwerp, BE
Seven brass cones are mount to mirrored glass to perfectly reflect each bulb, giving the illusion of lights floating in space. Measures: Diameter 45 cm. Depth 6 cm.
Metal
Murano glass wall lamp by Ercole Barovier, Italy, 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Argelato, BO
Rare Murano glass wall lamps by Ercole Barovier, Italy, 1940s These lamp, designed by the renowned Italian glass master Ercole Barovier, is made of thick blown glass; when held aga...
Brass
Midcentury Murano Barovier & Toso Flowers Flush Light Fixture, Ceiling, 1950s
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Multi-color, pink, gold, green, grey/blue. Flush fixture is made of many blossoms in precious Murano glass with gold inclusions. Gorgeous work that can be totally midcentury and vint...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$3,040 / set
H 7.09 in W 7.49 in D 9.85 in
Set of 2 Murano glass wall lamps by Ercole Barovier, Italy, 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Argelato, BO
Set of 2 Murano glass wall lamps by Ercole Barovier, Italy, 1940s These lamps, designed by the renowned Italian glass master Ercole Barovier, are made of thick blown glass; when hel...
Brass
$3,157 / set
H 9.06 in W 7.49 in D 5.91 in
Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso Pair of Murano Glass Wall Sconces, 1940s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A rare and poetic pair of wall sconces designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso in the early 1940s. The sculptural glass elements are executed in Murano “vetro costolato a ri...
Brass
$3,712 / set
H 11.03 in W 9.06 in D 6.3 in
A wonderful pair of 1950s Murano glass wall sconces by Barovier and Toso
By Barovier&Toso
Located in London, GB
A wonderful pair of 1950s Murano glass sconces by Barovier and Toso, with three stunning Murano glass leaves with avventurina gold leaf stems and curved glass shade, with detailed wa...
Murano Glass
Murano, Table Lamp, Glass, Brass, Italy, 1940s
Located in High Point, NC
A green and orange-coloured blown glass and brass table lamp designed and produced in Murano, Italy, c. 1940s. Dimensions of Lamp (inches): 13” H x 5.25” W x 3.75 D Dimensions of Sh...
Brass
Barovier Pair of Leaf Murano Glass and Brass Sconces, Italy, 1950s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning pair of leaf sconces in Murano hand-blown crystal glass and solid brass. These gorgeous and rare lights were designed by Barovier and produced in Italy during the 1950s. Fu...
Brass
Sold
H 5.91 in W 4.73 in D 5.91 in
Pair of Murano Glass and Brass Flower Sconces, by Barovier, Italy 1950s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous pair of mid-century bellflower-shaped sconces in Murano mouth-blown crystal glass and solid brass. These wonderful lights were produced in Italy by Barovier during the 1950...
Brass
Pair of Barovier Murano Rostrato Glass and Brass Table Lamps, Italy 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning pair of table lamps in Murano crystal "Rostrato" glass. These incredibly charming and rare table lamps were designed by Barovier and produced in Murano, Italy during the 194...
Brass
Sold
H 6.7 in W 6.5 in D 11.82 in
Barovier Large Pair of Murano Glass and Brass Flower Sconces, Italy 1950s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning large pair of large flower-shaped sconces in Murano mouth-blown crystal glass and solid brass. These marvelous lights were designed by Barovier and produced in Italy during ...
Brass
Sold
H 6.7 in W 3.15 in D 6.89 in
Barovier Pair of Murano Glass, Gold and Brass Floral Sconces, Italy 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Striking pair of Italian wall sconces in blown Murano glass with 24k gold and brass. This unique and incredibly elegant lights were masterfully crafted by Barovier in the early 1940s...
Brass, Gold
Sold
H 8.67 in W 7.88 in D 12.21 in
Barovier Large Pink Murano Glass and Brass Flower Sconces, Italy 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular Large pair of Art Deco Murano Flower Sconces by Ercole Barovier. These unique bellflower-shaped sconces were produced in Italy, Murano during the late 1940s. Fully origi...
Brass
Pair of Barovier Murano Rostrato Glass and Brass Table Lamps, Italy 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Delightful pair of table lamps in Murano crystal "Rostrato" glass and brass. These incredibly charming and rare table lamps were designed by Barovier & Toso and made in Murano, Italy...
Brass
Barovier Murano Glass and Brass Flower Sconces, Italy 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous Art Deco Murano Sconces by Ercole Barovier. These bellflower shaped sconces were produced in Italy during the late 1940s. All in fabulous condition with no chips or crack...
Brass
Sold
H 7.29 in W 3.94 in D 3.15 in
Barovier Pair of Leaf Sconces in Murano Glass and Brass, Italy 1950s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular pair of mid-century leaf sconces in Murano mouth-blown crystal glass and solid brass. These incredibly rare and elegant lights were designed by Ercole Barovier and produc...
Brass
Barovier Pair of Murano Glass and Brass Flower Sconces, Italy 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous pair of Art Deco Murano Sconces by Ercole Barovier. These bellflower shaped sconces were produced in Italy during the late 1940s. Al...
Brass
Pair of Barovier Murano Rostrato Glass and Brass Table Lamps, Italy 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Delightful pair of table lamps in Murano crystal "Rostrato" glass and brass. These incredibly charming and rare table lamps were designed by Barovier & Toso and made in Murano, Italy...
Brass
Large Barovier Murano Rostrato Glass and Brass Table Lamp, Italy 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous large table lamp in "rostrato" Murano mouthblown glass and brass completed by an off-white cotton lampshade. This incredibly charming and unique table lamp was designed by ...
Brass