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.
Murano Chandelier by Barovier, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
Murano Glass Chandelier Attributed to Ercole Barovier Murano, 1940s–1950s This extraordinary chandelier belongs to that unique period in Murano glassmaking when glass ceased to be m...
Brass
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
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 Glass Table Lamp, Turquoise Gold Cordonato d’Oro, Barovier & Toso, 1960s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Glasgow, GB
This Murano glass table lamp by Barovier & Toso, designed by Ercole Barovier and produced in Italy in the 1960s, exemplifies the refined use of the cordonato d’oro technique within a...
Gold Leaf
Set of Three Art Deco “Tulip” Glass Wall Sconces by Ercole Barovier, 1940s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A striking set of three Art Deco wall sconces designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, Italy, circa 1940s. These rare fixtures epitomize the refined sensibility of mid-20th-c...
Brass
Murano chandelier by Ercole Barovier Barovier & Toso, Italy 1930s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
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 businesses glo...
Brass
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
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
Art Deco Iridescent Shell Bowl by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, Italy 30s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier
Located in Lucija, SI
Elegant shell bowl designed and made by Ercole Barovier of the 1930s. The bowl is made with iridescent technique, in fact the whole object is made of iridescent murano glass in the s...
Murano Glass
20th Century Italian Modern Vintage Rostri Murano Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A tall, vintage Mid-Century modern Italian single Rostri vase made of hand blown slightly smoked Murano glass, designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, in good condition....
Murano Glass
Rostrato Vase Barovier style, Clear Murano Glass, italian mid-century modern
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Venezia, IT
Rostrato vase in authentic Murano glass, handmade in the typical Rostrato style introduced by Ercole Barovier at the beginning of the twentieth century. Additional information: Mate...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Italy - 1920s/30s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Milano, IT
Murano glass chandelier by Ercole Barovier, produced in Italy between the 1920s and 1930s. Rare Murano glass chandelier, attributed to Ercole Barovier and dated between the 1920s an...
Iron
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 Plant Baron.
Brass
Beautiful large Etched Murano Glass Mirrored Tray by Barovier, Italy, 1980s
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 blue. Done ...
Mirror, Wood, 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
Barovier Toso Murano Copper Aventurine Italian Art Glass Centerpiece Fruit Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful antique Murano hand blown copper aventurine flecks with thin purple swirl Italian art glass footed centerpiece bowl. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier for Barovier e T...
Gold Leaf
Ercole Barovier Toso Murano Gold Flecks Bullicante Art Glass Ribbed Bowl
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Barcelona, ES
Amazing hand blown Cordonato D' Oro Bullicante soft green Murano glass ribbed bowl / ashtray. Ercole Barovier for Barovier e Toso. Italy, 1930s This striking decorative bowl is heavi...
Gold Leaf
Ercole Barovier Aqua Marine Murano Glass Vide-Poche
By Ercole Barovier
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular Aqua Marine colored Murano glass vide-poche featuring gold leaf inclusions and fluted exterior. Perfect as a ring dish, desk accessory or table accessory.
Murano Glass
Pair of wall lamps by Ercole Barovier in Rugiadoso Murano glass, Italy 1950s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Catania, CT
Pair of wall lamps designed by Ercole Barovier, crafted in Rugiadoso Murano glass, Italy, 1950s. These exquisite vintage lamps feature leaf-shaped glass shades with a textured patter...
Brass
$1,316Sale Price|20% Off
Ercole Barovier 40s Table Lamp
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Palermo, IT
Barovier Ercole lamp one light e14 Lamp with bulb glass reflecting the work of the master glassmaker in the 1940s with original switch of the period. Ready to be placed in your envir...
Murano Glass
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Brass & Murano Glass
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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
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
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
$776Sale Price|56% Off
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
$1,395Sale Price|20% Off
Ercole Barovier Toso Italian Murano Art Glass Vase
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Ercole Barovier Toso Italian Murano art glass vase.
Art Glass
Vintage Murano Pezzato Art Glass Ashtray by Barovier & Toso 1950s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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
Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier, Green, 1940
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-green, vintage Mid-Century modern Italian single vase made of hand blown slightly smoked, colored Murano glass, designed by Ercole Barovier and produced by Barovier & Tos...
Murano Glass
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
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
Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso Aborigeni Murano Art Glass Bowl
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso Aborigeni Murano Art Glass Bowl A great Murano glass bowl in Aborigeni technique. Designed by Ercole Barovier and manufactured by Barovier & Toso...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
"Inlay Vase," Ercole Barovier, Murano 1970-1975
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Venezia, IT
Blown vase with alternating yellow and blue tiles. 1970-1975.
Murano Glass
Monumental Ercole Barovier, Barovier & Toso Efeso Blue Vase, 1964
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A large blue art glass vase from the 'Efeso' series designed by Ercole Barovier in 1964 for Barovier & Toso, Murano, Italy. Thick glass in bright blue w...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier Murano Glass Vase for Ferro Toso Barovier Italy 1930s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Ercole Barovier Murano Glass Vase for Ferro Toso Barovier Italy 1930s
Murano Glass
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
Ercole Barovier Ribbed Iridescent Mauve Murano Vase, Circa 1950's
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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 Iridescent Grosse Costolature Clam Shell Glass Bowl, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso in 1942, exquisite A Grosse Costolature or clam shell bowl in heavy transparent iridescent clear Murano glass with undulating pron...
Blown Glass
Ercole Barovier Art Deco Murano Glass Italian Pendant Chandelier "Pulegoso", 30s
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C., Ercole Barovier
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
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Purple Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Double Handle Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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
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
Ercole Barovier, Murano pair of Table Lamps circa 1940
By Ercole Barovier
Located in LA, CA
Elevate any interior with this exquisite set of four Italian Mid-Century Modern table lamps, crafted in the 1970s and defined by their sophisticated play of light, texture, and form....
Brass
Barovier Toso Murano Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Gourd Pepper Fruit Sculptures
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage set of Murano hand blown gold flecks Italian art glass gourd, tomato and pepper figures / sculptures. The pieces are documented to the Barovie and Toso company. Cre...
Gold Leaf
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
Ercole Barovier Serving Tray Mirror-Engraved Murano Glass, Italy 1950s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing rectangular mirror-engraved Murano glass serving tray. This wonderful piece was produced in Italy during 1950s by the master Murano glass-maker of Ercole Barov...
Metal
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Venation Mirror by Ercole Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Venation Murano mirror for the wall
Murano Glass
$3,219Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
Wonderful and rare Art Deco chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 1940s. Piece of exquisite quality. From Private collection by Giancarlo Planta.
Brass
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
Ercole Barovier Rostrato Murano Glass Vase for Barovier & Toso, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Palermo, IT
Amazing midcentury mouth-blown rostrato crystal Murano glass vase. This wonderful object was produced during the 1940s in Italy by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso. This masterpie...
Murano Glass
Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Italy, 1930s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Art Deco Murano glass pendant by Ercole Barovier, Italy 1930-1939. Very elegant design centred by a Murano crystal glass tulip, brass mou...
Crystal, Brass
Ercole Barovier & Toso Cordonato D’oro Golden Murano Glass Bowl, Italy, 1960s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Vienna, AT
A stunning and relatively large Murano art glass Bullicante Mid-Century bowl from the 1960s, hand-blown by Barovier e Toso, Italy. Made of thick clear glass, the bowl is solid and he...
Gold, Gold Leaf
Ercole Barovier Toso Mid Century Murano Italian Art Glass Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Ercole Barovier Toso Mid Century Murano Italian Art Glass Vase This vase measures: 6.5 wide x 6.5 deep x 4.75 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition. We take our photos in a cont...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Neolitico 1954 Pulled Feather Design Italian Art Glass Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown grays and blacks feathered design Italian art glass flower vase. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for the Barovier e Toso company...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Museal Art Decò Ercole Barovier Murano Glass Chandelier, 1930
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Exceptional Art Deco Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, Italy, circa 1930s A rare and highly refined Murano glass chandelier designed by Ercole Barovier...
Murano Glass
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Art Deco Murano Wall Mirror
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Murano Art Deco wall mirror in original condition .
Murano Glass
Art Deco twisted glass chandelier, Barovier & Toso, Murano, Italy, circa 1940
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Paris, FR
Art Deco chandelier by Barovier & Toso, based on a design by Ercole Barovier. Chrome-plated brass structure and accessories, the central suspension arm and the body of the chandelier...
Brass, Chrome
$8,332Sale Price|33% 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
Beautiful Etched Couple Murano Glass Mirror, Italy 1920s Gold Flake Floral Parts
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Elegant Murano glass mirror handcrafted in Venice, Italy, dating to the 1920s or earlier. This ornate scalloped cartouche-form example is richly adorned with applied floral and scrol...
Mirror, Murano Glass, Wood
Ercole Barovier Toso Murano Iridescent Italian Art Deco Glass Conch Shell Bowl
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown clear glass and iridescent Italian art glass conch seashell sculptural bowl. The piece is documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for th...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
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
Pair of Murano Glass Door Handles by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, 1950s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An elegant and highly refined pair of Murano glass door handles designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso in the 1950s. The handles feature twisted “torciglione” Murano glass ...
Metal, Chrome
Murano Table Lamps by Ercole Barovier, Giltwood & Glass, Italy, 1950s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of smaller scale hand blown cream and gold inclusions Murano table lamps by Ercole Barovier Toso. Mounted on giltwood bases. Newly wired with new brass 3 way sockets and cord. G...
Brass