The Barovier dynasty began in 1295, when Jacobello Barovier, mentioned in historical documents as a master glassblower, began pinching, cutting, blowing and twisting a molten mixture of sand and minerals into incandescent works of art.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 Large Pair of Murano Glass and Brass Flower Sconces, Italy 1940s
By Barovier, (After) Gio Ponti
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous pair of Art Deco Murano sconces by Barovier. These gorgeous bellflower-shaped sconces were produced in Italy during the late 1940s. Six pieces available, all in fabulous c...
Brass
Barovier Pair of Murano Glass and Brass Flower Sconces, Italy 1940s
By (After) Gio Ponti, Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous pair of Art Deco sconces in mouth-blown Murano glass and brass. These incredibly elegant sconces were produced in Italy during the late 1940s and are attributed to the mast...
Brass
Barovier Large Pair of Murano Glass and Brass Flower Sconces, Italy 1940s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique large pair of flower-shaped sconces in Murano mouth-blown “bullicante” crystal glass and solid brass. These marvelous lights were designed by Barovier and produc...
Brass
Set of 2 Murano Mid-Century glass wall lamps, Ercole Barovier Style, Italy
By Barovier
Located in Argelato, BO
This magnificent pair of wall lamps evokes the timeless sophistication of the Barovier style, expertly blending rigorous geometry and organic delicacy. The sturdy polished brass stru...
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
$942Sale Price / set|30% Off
Barovier & Toso Wall Lighting gold Glass Murano Pair , Italy 1980
By Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in La xara, VC
Exceptional Barovier & Toso wall lighting glass Murano with metal structure. The Design and the quality of the glass make this piece the best of the italian Design. Beautiful unique...
Brass
$409Sale Price|28% Off
Barovier & Toso Wall Lighting Murano light blue Glass , Italy 1970
By Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in La xara, VC
Barovier & Toso Superb Barovier & Toso wall lighting ligth blue frost glass Murano with brass metal structure The Design and the quality of the glass make this piece the best of t...
Brass
Murano Wall Sconces by Barovier, Brass & Glass, Italy 1950s
By Barovier
Located in Long Island City, NY
Murano wall sconces by Barovier. Exquisite hand blown glass with gold infusions. Made in Italy in 1950s Take 2 candelabra bulbs each. Priced and sold as a set of 2. Complimentary US ...
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
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
1 of the 3 Large Hand Blown Murano Glass Style of Barovier & Toso, 1969
By Murano 5, Barovier
Located in Rijssen, NL
1 of the 3 elegant and exquisite hand blown Murano glass Barovier &; Toso 19.7" Height wall sconces. Each light fixture consists three blown Murano gold flaked glass leaves surrounde...
Brass
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
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
A Pair Art Deco Brass Mounted Murano Glass Sconces 1940' by Barovier
By Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of Barovier Art Deco brass mounted Murano glass sconces or wall lights wit a precious hand blown Murano glass cup. Each with 1 E 14 light bulb.
Blown Glass
$655Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Leave Murano Sconce Midcentury Italian Design 1940s Ruggiadoso
By Barovier
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Barovier leave Murano sconce midcentury Italian design 1940s Ruggiadoso, 1 light bulb max 40 watt.
Murano Glass
Monumental Wall light by Ercole Barovier in blown Murano Glass and brass, Italy
By Barovier
Located in Argelato, BO
Monumental wall lamp by Ercole Barovier with a large Morano glass bowl and a fluted brass support. Italy
Brass
Pair of Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass & Brass Leaf Sconces by Barovier e Toso
By Barovier
Located in Miami, FL
This stunning pair of sculptural Mid-Century Modern leaf sconces were realized by the legendary atelier of Barovier e Toso in Murano, Italy- the island off the coast of Venice renown...
Brass
Wall Bowl by Barovier, San Polo, Venice / Italy, Mid-20th Century
By Barovier
Located in New York, NY
Wall-mounted bowl sconce in blue glass with characteristic air bubble inclusions and a ribbed brass mount. The wall attachment is formed by an irregular glazed terracotta element in ...
Brass
Two 1980s Barovier Orange Yellow and White Murano glass Oval Wall Sconces
By Barovier
Located in Aci Castello, IT
These Wall Sconces are striking examples of Italian glassmaking craftsmanship from the late 20th century. Barovier & Toso is a renowned Venetian glassmaking company known for its...
Iron
$702Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Wall Sconce Leaf Murano Art Glass, 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Barovier wall sconce Leaf Murano art glass 1940s.
Brass
Barovier Applique “Rugiada”Brass Murano Glass, 1940, Italy
By Barovier
Located in Milano, IT
Barovier applique “Rugiada” brass murano glass, 1940, Italy.
Murano Glass
Art Deco Wall Sconce by Barovier, Murano Glass & Brass, Italy, 1940
By Barovier
Located in Cerignola, IT
Beautiful decó wall sconces by Barovier in Murano glass with 'bullicante' effect workmanship and polished brass frame. New electrics
Brass
$702
H 10 in W 10 in D 5 in
J.T. Kalmar Midcentury Brass Wall Light, Sconce, Brass Pins, 1950s, Austria
By J.T. Kalmar, Kalmar Lighting
Located in Biebergemund, Hessen
Beautiful Modernist wall sconces made by J. T. Kalmar in the 1950s. The light is made of polished brass and the lampshades are made of acrylic glass. The faceted acrylic glass provid...
Brass
$2,926 / set
H 14.18 in W 5.91 in D 5.52 in
Pair of Golden Murano Glass Sconces, Leaf Shape Wall Lights, Barovier Style
By Barovier
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
This very nice pair of sconces was individually designed and realized in Murano .It is made in a very rich and deep golden color glass.These wall lights feature beautiful leaf shapes...
Brass
$3,044 / 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
$3,980 / 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 Brooklyn, 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
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
$2,282 / set
H 11.62 in W 9.26 in D 3.94 in
Barovier Style Mid-Century Modern Italian Murano Glass Shell Sconces, 60s, Pair.
By Barovier
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Mid-century modern shell-shaped wall lights, made in Italy in Murano in the style of Barovier, in Graniglia Murano glass, mounted on a white lacquered metal and brass base, 1960s. Re...
Metal
$530
H 13.59 in W 3.55 in D 2.76 in
Original Mid Century Modern Italian Barovier & Toso Murano glass wall lamp
By Barovier&Toso
Located in München, DE
Very rare original Mid-Century Modern Barovier & Toso Murano glass wall lamp. Made in Italy. Beautifully elegant design. Lampshade is made of Murano glass. Italian craftsmanship. No ...
Brass
$3,600 / set
H 24.41 in W 7.88 in D 9.45 in
Mid-Century Modern Amber Murano Glass Sconces, Barovier style Italy 1980s
By Barovier
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair of Mid-Century-Modern Murano glass and brass sconces, Barovier & Toso style Italy 1980s. Each sconce has a two Murano glass globes, up and down. The blown Murano glasses hav...
Brass
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
$3,863 / set
H 14.97 in W 9.45 in D 8.67 in
21st Century Barovier Style Modern Amber Murano Glass and Brass Wall Sconces
By Barovier
Located in Aci Castello, IT
These 21st Century Barovier-Style Modern Amber Bullicante Murano Glass and Brass Wall Sconces are stunning examples of contemporary Murano glass craftsmanship, inspired by the histor...
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
$1,931 / set
H 6.7 in W 9.85 in D 6.7 in
Set of 2 Mid-century Murano Glass Flower Wall Lamps attributed to Barovier 1960s
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Palermo, IT
Set of 2 mid-century Murano glass flower wall lamps attributed to Barovier & Toso 1960s Intact glass, gold-plated metal frame. E14 bulbs. Good condition, minor signs of wear. Two...
Metal
Barovier & Toso Wall Lighting Gold Glass Murano, Italy, 1980
By Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in La xara, VC
Exceptional Barovier & Toso wall lighting large mixte gold glass Murano with gilet gold metal structure. The Design and the quality of the mixte gold glass make this piece the be...
Brass
Sold
H 21.07 in W 9.85 in D 2.76 in
Barovier Monumental Double-Leaf Murano Glass and Brass Sconce, Italy, 1940s
By Barovier, (After) Gio Ponti
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic and monumental double leaf wall sconce in hand-blown Murano glass and brass. This spectacular piece was designed by Barovier and produced in Murano, Italy, during the 1940s...
Brass
Set of 2 Murano glass wall lamps by Ercole Barovier, Italy
By Barovier
Located in Argelato, BO
Set of 2 Murano glass wall lamps by Ercole Barovier, Italy These lamps, designed by the renowned Italian glass master Ercole Barovier, are made of thick blown glass; when held again...
Brass
Sold
H 23.63 in W 9.06 in D 8.67 in
Pair Giant Barovier & Toso Foglia d'Oro Murano Sconces, Italy, 1980s
By Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in La xara, VC
Exceptional Barovier & Toso wall lighting glass Murano with metal structure. The Design and the quality of the glass make this piece the best of the italian Design. Beautiful un...
Brass
Sold
H 7.88 in W 5.32 in D 9.85 in
Barovier Pair of Murano Glass and Brass Flower Sconces, Italy 1950s
By Barovier, Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous 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 fanta...
Brass
Sold
H 8.67 in W 7.49 in D 9.45 in
Pair of Barovier Neo Art Deco Rostrato Brass Mounted Murano Glass Sconces 1980'
By Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
A fine pair of Barovier Art Deco style brass mounted Murano glass sconces or wall lights wit a precious hand blown " rostrato "Murano glass . Each with 1 E27 light bulb. Available...
Glass
Barovier 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
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
Sold
H 8.67 in W 7.88 in D 12.21 in
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
Sold
H 10.24 in W 6.7 in D 9.06 in
Large Pair of Murano Glass and Brass Flower Sconces, by Barovier, Italy 1950s
By Barovier, Ercole 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
Sold
H 8.67 in W 6.3 in D 4.73 in
Barovier & Toso Wall Lighting gold Glass Murano millefiora pair , Italy 1980
By Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in La xara, VC
Barovier & Toso wall lighting glass Murano MILLEFIORI with metal structure. The Design and the quality of the glass make this piece the best of the italian Design. Beautiful uni...
Murano Glass
Set of 4 Murano glass wall lamps by Ercole Barovier, Italy, 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Argelato, BO
Set of 4 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