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.
Ercole Barovier Midcentury "Rostrato" Murano Glass Italian Chandelier, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
A very elegant Italian chandelier by Ercole Barovier hand blown Murano glass construction using the Rostrato technique presented at The Biennale di Venezia in 1938.
Brass
Ercole Barovier, "Medusa Piccola" Art Deco Wall Sconces, Murano, circa 1940
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An extraordinary and exceptionally rare pair of “Medusa Piccola” wall sconces, designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso in Murano, circa 1940. This smaller version of the cel...
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
Rare Pair of Barovier & Toso Murano Glass Lenti Table Lamps by Ercole Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
Pair of Rare Barovier & Toso Murano Glass "Lenti" Vases Mounted as Table Lamps, Circa 1940 An exceptional and increasingly rare pair of Murano glass "Lenti" vases by Barovier &a...
Art Glass
Barovier Bellflower Adjustabe Table Lamp in Murano Glass and Brass, Italy, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous and unique adjustable table lamp crafted in a stunning combination of Murano mouth-blown glass and brass. This delightful lamp was designed by Ercole Barovier and produced i...
Brass
Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, Murano Glass Wall Sconce with Beaked Design, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Naples, IT
An elegant vintage wall sconce designed by the renowned master Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso. The lampshade is crafted from fine, transparent Murano glass using the intricate a...
Brass
Barovier Pair of Adjustable Murano Glass and Brass Bell Table Lamps, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous pair of adjustable bell-shaped table lamps in mouth-blown Murano glass and solid brass. These delightful table lamps were made in Italy during the 1940s by the Murano glass ...
Brass
1930s by Ercole Barovier Gold Glass Murano Animal Elephant
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, IT
Elephant by Ercole Barovier, 1930s. Gold Murano glass Perfect condition.
Murano Glass
Rare Pair of “Festoni” Wall Sconces by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, 1938
By Ercole Barovier, Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C., Barovier&Toso
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An exceptional and highly collectible pair of "Festoni" wall sconces designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso in 1938, among the most sculptural and expressive examples of pre...
Brass
Set of 3 “Bullicante” Murano Glass Wall Lights by Ercole Barovier, 40s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A rare and exceptionally sculptural set of three large-scale Murano glass wall sconces designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso during the 1940s. These remarkable fixtures emb...
Brass
$8,045Sale Price|35% Off
Imposing Rare Barovier Fountain Chandelier, White Puligoso, 1930s, Murano Deco
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Sophisticated chandelier from Ercole Barovier. A rare beautiful chandelier, the bottom bowl is in horizontal ribbed hand opened clear etched glass crowned by a set of 12 large and h...
Blown Glass, Milk Glass, Murano Glass
Rostrato Vase by Ercole Barovier, Murano glass, Italy, 1960's
By Ercole Barovier
Located in BARCELONA, ES
This Rostrato Vase by Ercole Barovier, crafted in Murano, Italy, during the 1960s, is a notable example of mid-century Murano glass art. Designed by Ercole Barovier, a prominent figu...
Murano Glass
$300Sale Price|25% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Pink Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Bird Figurine Sculpture
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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
A rare brass mounted 8 arms horizontal chandelier by Ercole Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in London, GB
A very rare horizontal brass mounted 8 arm Murano glass chandelier designed & produced by the glass master Ercole Barovier in the early 1930s . All glass is intact with natural pati...
Brass
Pair of Ercole Barovier “Cordonato Oro” Murano Glass Vases for Barovier & Toso
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Minneapolis, MN
This is a luminous pair of “Cordonato Oro” glass vases designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, Murano, Italy, circa 1950. Richly layered with gold, the clear glass bodie...
Art Glass
Ercole Barovier, Art Deco Murano Glass Pendant, Italy 1930s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Catania, CT
Art 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...
Brass
Etched Murano Glass Mirrored Tray by Ercole Barovier, Italy, 1960s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Created by Ercole Barovier, this piece is a beautiful Italian serving or vanity table tray edged in Murano glass rope that is embedded with clear gold flakes. Done in the style of Luigi Brusotti and Gio Ponti, the mirror is etched with Venetian romantic figures...
Mirror, Murano Glass, Wood
Large Barovier Coronado d'Oro Glass Centerpiece Bowl
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Large Barovier & Toso Murano handblown centerpiece bowl in the Coronado d'ore technique. Expertly crafted of thick clear glass with gold inclusions.
Glass
Ercole Barovier Murano Glass Ashtray Italy 50s Mid-Century Barovier & Toso
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Palermo, IT
ERCOLE BAROVIER . Barovier & Toso production, Italian design from the 50s. Star-shaped ashtray in clear, bubbling glass, semi-spherical body with reliefs, flat circular mouth. Also e...
Murano Glass
A 1940's 'Rostrato' Murano Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
A vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian "Rostri" or "Rostrato" vase designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, crafted in Murano, Italy, circa 1940. Hand-blown in lightly smok...
Blown Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass
Opalescent Murano Glass Bowl by Ercole Barovier, Italy, 1940s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Glasgow, GB
Murano Glass Bowl ‘A Grosse Costolature’ by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, Italy, 1940s This Murano glass bowl by Ercole Barovier was produced in the 1940s as part of the ...
Murano Glass
Liberty Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
hand blown Murano chandelier by Ercole Barovier, circa 1940. From private collection Von plant Baron.
Metal
Ercole Barovier Rostrato Murano Glass Italian Vase for Barovier & Toso, 1940s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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
Ercole Barovier Pair of Vases for Ferro Toso Barovier, Italy, 1930's, Murano
By Ferro Toso Barovier, Ercole Barovier
Located in New York, NY
Ercole Barovier vase for Ferro Toso Barovier, Italy, 1930's, Murano. The hand-blown spherical body features clear blown glass with oxidized silver leaf decoration and applied black ...
Blown Glass
Wonderful Pair Murano Ercole Barovier Three-Arm Gold Blown Art Glass Sconces
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Large Pair Of Murano Ercole Barovier Three-Arm Gold Flake Blown Art Glass Wall Sconces Identical Sconces Listed On Line For $20,000
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Murano glass chandelier by Barovier & Toso
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in NEUILLY-SUR-SEINE, FR
Barovier & Toso Italy Murano glass chandelier by Barovier & Toso, crafted using the "Rostrato" technique, characterized by raised glasswork forming multiple points. It features a cen...
Art Glass, Blown Glass
Etched Murano Glass Mirrored Tray by Ercole Barovier, Italy, 1980s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Murano Glass & Etched Mirror Tray attributed to Ercole Barovier (1985) An elegant Italian serving or vanity tray, attributed to renowned Murano glassmaker Ercole Barovier. The piece...
Mirror, Murano Glass
Murano Chandelier by Barovier, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
This extraordinary chandelier, attributed to Ercole Barovier and dating to the 1940s, represents one of the most poetic expressions of postwar Murano glassmaking. The piece seems to...
Brass
Ercole Barovier Toso Murano Glass Spira Aurata Vase, 1960s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Barcelona, ES
Murano Art Glass 'Spira Aurata Striato Vase' by Ercole Barovier, Barovier e Toso, Italy, 1966. Spira Aurata series oval-section conical vase in blown glass with polychrome garnet, r...
Gold Leaf
Adjustable Bell Table Lamp in Murano Glass and Brass by Barovier, Italy 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning adjustable table lamp in mouth-blown Murano glass and brass. This incredibly stylish and unique lamp in the shape of a bell flower was designed by Ercole Barovier and produc...
Brass
Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
The chandelier by Ercole Barovier (Murano, 1940) Imagine Venice in the early 1940s. The furnaces of Murano are still working as if time itself had chosen to slow down. Among the mos...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Brass & Murano Glass
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian chandelier made of a rectangular brass base and hand blown Murano glass, designed by Ercole Barovier and produced by Barovier & Toso, in good condition. The pendant, ceiling light is composed with six round rostrato lamp...
Metal, Brass
Mid-Century Tea Morosati Table Light by Stilnovo and Barovier & Toso, Italy
By Ercole Barovier, Stilnovo, Tea Morosati
Located in Steinheim am Albuch, BW
Magnificent and rare italian table light designed by Tea Morosati, produced by Stilnovo. The handblown glass is by the renewed glassmaker Barovier & Toso. This stunning and large ta...
Brass
Ercole Barovier Swirl Murano Glass Mirror Serving Tray, Venice, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Vienna, AT
A wonderful decorative rectangular Venetian serving tray by Ercole Barovier, dating from the 1940s and handcrafted in Murano, Italy. This exquisite piece consists of a finely etched ...
Metal
Ercole Barovier Toso Murano Glass Spira Aurata Vase, 1960s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Barcelona, ES
Murano Art Glass 'Spira Aurata Striato Vase' by Ercole Barovier, Barovier e Toso, Italy, 1966. Spira Aurata series oval-section drop vase in blown green-blue glass with polychrome ga...
Gold Leaf
Bellflower Table Lamp in Murano Glass and Brass by Ercole Barovier, Italy 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous table lamp made in a combination Murano glass and brass. This incredibly elegant lamp was designed by Ercole Barovier and made in Italy during the early '40s. The shade o...
Brass
Ercole Barovier “Ambrati” Murano Glass Ewer for Christian Dior, Italy, 1954
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Milan, IT
Rare sculptural “Ambrati” glass ewer produced by Barovier & Toso for Christian Dior in 1954. Handblown on the island of Murano, the ewer features a rounded, generously proportio...
Murano Glass
Barovier Pair of Bell Table Lamps in Murano Glass and Brass, Italy 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique pair of bellflower Murano table lamps in mouth-blown crystal glass and brass. These incredibly elegant lamps were designed by Ercole Barovier and made in Italy d...
Brass
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Purple Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Double Handle Vase
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful, rare, vintage Murano hand blown gold flecks and dark purple trim Italian art glass ornate pierced handles vase. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for the Barovier e ...
Gold Leaf
Large Murano Orange & Gold Aventurine Art Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier, 1950s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a bold and sculptural mid-century Murano art glass vase by renowned Italian designer Ercole Barovier, produced by Barovier & Toso, Italy, circa 1950s. The vase presents ...
Blown Glass
Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Italy, 1950s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Art Deco clear Murano glass pendant by Ercole Barovier, Italy 1930-1939. Very elegant design centred by a Murano crystal glass tulip, brass mounted. Glass and crystal in fine conditi...
Crystal, Brass
Mid-Century Modern Barovier & Toso Rostrato Murano Glass Chandelier, 1950s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Mid-Century Modern Barovier & Toso Rostrato Murano Glass Chandelier, 1950s Exceptional rectangular chandelier featuring a polished chrome frame and sculptural Rostrato Murano glass....
Blown Glass
Rare pair of large wall lamps by Ercole Barovier & Toso, Italy, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier, Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in Argelato, BO
This rare pair of wall lamps represents a masterpiece of 20th-century Venetian craftsmanship, designed by renowned designer Ercole Barovier and crafted by the historic Barovier & Tos...
Brass
Italian Murano Art Glass Transparent Vase by Barovier, Bullicante Model, 1950s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Beautiful Italian desgn mid-century murano art glass transparent vase. This model vase designed by Ercole Barovier (Murano, Italy, 1950s). A stunning little vase made with a distinc...
Art Glass
Ercole Barovier Ribbed Iridescent Mauve Murano Vase, Circa 1950's
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Ercole Barovier & Toso Dusty Pink & Clear Murano Glass Coruscating Vase. Featuring a handcrafted, vertically ribbed form, scalloped opening, in translucent Dusty Pink Lavende...
Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier Murano glass chandelier. Italy 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Catania, CT
Murano glass suspension lamp by Ercole Barovier and produced in Italy durong the 1940s. A refined example of mid-century Murano craftsmanship, this chandelier features a sculptural b...
Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier e Toso Coronado D'Oro Impressive Italian Glass Vase
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Ercole Barovier glass vase with melon shape Measures: 10 1/2" H x 8 3/4" W x 6" W Coloration is gold adventuring over deep purple. In mint condition.
Glass
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Purple Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Fan Top Flower Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown purple and gold flecks Italian art glass footed, with fan shape rim decorative flower vase. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for the Barovi...
Gold Leaf
Pair of exceptional Barovier & Toso candleholders, Italy, 1938
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An extraordinarily rare pair of Murano glass candleholders designed by Ercole Barovier and executed by Barovier & Toso in 1938. These sculptural pieces display all the hallmarks of B...
Brass
$365Sale Price|20% Off
Ercole Barovier Rostrato Murano glass vase for Barovier & Toso, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Palermo, IT
An incredible mid-century vase made of mouth-blown Rostrato crystal from Murano. This stunning piece was produced in the 1940s in Italy by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso. This m...
Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier Large Rostrato Murano Glass Italian Vase, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous large mouth-blown rostrato crystal Murano glass vase. This spectacular decorative piece was produced in Italy during the 1940s by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso. In m...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$712Sale Price|25% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Green Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Ribbed Pitcher Vase
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown emerald green and gold flecks Italian art glass decorative pitcher shaped flower vase. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for the Barovier e ...
Gold Leaf
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
Chandelier by Barovier & Toso, Murano, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
Elegant handblown Murano chandelier by Barovier & Toso, circa 1940. From Private collection Von Planta Baron.
Brass
Murano Barovier Toso Red Intarsio Mosaic Triangle Tessere Italian Art Glass Vase
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown ruby red and dark taupe gray triangle Tessere mosaic Italian art glass flower vase. The piece is documented to designer Ercole Barovier,...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Murrine
Ercole Barovier Art Deco Murano Glass Italian Pendant Chandelier "Pulegoso", 30s
By Ercole Barovier, Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Murano glass chandelier blown with the Pulegoso technique, glass with air bubbles inside. Designed by Ercole Barovier and produced by Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C in the late 1930...
Brass
Murano chandelier by Ercole Barovier Barovier & Toso, Italy 1930s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Very rare Murano chandelier by Ercole Barovier Barovier & Toso made in Italy in the 1930s. Founded in 1295 in Murano, Italy, Barovier & Toso stands as one of the oldest family busine...
Murano Glass
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Ercole Barovier Toso Murano 1966 Blue Red Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Rare and beautiful, vintage Murano hand blown blue and wine red stripes on gold flecks Italian art glass flower vase. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for the Barovier e Toso ...
Gold Leaf
Pair of Murano Glass Bird Wall Sconces by Ercole Barovier .Italy 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
1932 Pair Ercole Barovier two arm wall sconces Eackh arm ends in a hand crafted glass bird with a brass ring
Brass
Ercole Barovier 1940s Chandelier from 'Lenti' Series
By Ercole Barovier
Located in New York, NY
Ercole Barovier elegant and rare clear crystal glass chandelier from Lenti series with semi-spherical applications, glass stem and matching canopy. This crystal glass chandelier with...
Glass