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Ercole Barovier Furniture

Italian, 1889-1974

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 (the manufactory was called Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.). 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. He is credited with having invented colorazione a caldo senza fusione, a method of introducing metals and oxides into glassworks. Barovier’s 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). He 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.

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Creator: Ercole Barovier
Dealer: Chez Camille
Ercole Barovier "A Stelle" Large, Rare, Murano Glass Table Lamp
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a rare and early Murano lamp by the well known artist Ercole Barovier. The glass alone measures approximate, 16" high and 9" diameter. The silver plate base and top shows pat...
Category

1940s Italian Modern Vintage Ercole Barovier Furniture

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass

Ercole Barovier Murano Glass and Gold Centerpiece for Artistica Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very nice and elegant early Murano glass bowl, by Ercole Barovier.
Category

1930s Italian Modern Vintage Ercole Barovier Furniture

Materials

Art Glass

Barovier Large Murano Glass Bowl Vase, Clam, Shell, Conchiglia iridized
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very nice an early glass centerpiece made and designed by Barovier.
Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ercole Barovier Furniture

Materials

Murano Glass

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White Murano Glass Centerpiece, VELENI by L+W 2022 - Limited Edition collectible
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Previously Available Items
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Ercole Barovier furniture for sale on 1stDibs

Ercole Barovier furniture is available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive objects are often made of glass and are designed with extraordinary care. In our collection of Barovier furniture, there are many options to choose from, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. We stock 254 vintage versions of these items, while there is 0 modern edition to choose from as well. Many of the original furniture by Ercole Barovier were created in Europe during the 20th century in the Mid-Century Modern style. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Gae Aulenti, Joe Colombo and Gino Sarfatti. Prices for Ercole Barovier furniture can vary depending on size, time period and other attributes. Price for these items starts at US$350 and tops out at US$28,000, while pieces like these can sell for US$3,550 on average.

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