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.
Barovier Large Rostrato Murano Glass Italian Basket or Centerpiece, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous hand-blown rostrato Murano glass basket. This spectacular rare decorative piece was produced by Barovier in Italy during the 1940s. In museum condition, not missing a sing...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
1938 Mugnoni Sculptural Murano Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Milano, IT
A sculptural vase from the “Mugnoni” series designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, Murano, Italy, circa 1938. This exceptional piece exemplifies Barovier’s innovative a...
Glass
Ercole Barovier Toso Murano Iridescent Italian Art Deco Glass Conch Shell Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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
Barovier&Toso Zebrati Green with Gold Aventurine Mid Century Murano Glass Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
1950s Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso "Zebrati" Murano Glass Shell Bowl This is an exceptional mid-century modern biomorphic shell centerpiece bowl designed by the legendary...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Murano Ercole Barovier Toso Gold Leaf Italian Art Glass Gondola Flared Rim Bowl
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown pink stripes and gold flecks Italian art glass double opening flower vase. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for Barovier e Toso. The vase h...
Gold Leaf
Ercole Barovier Murano glass 'Eugenio" circa 1951 face tricolor vase.
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and rare Ercole Barovier Murano glass "Eugenio" circa 1951 in pulegous green with applied eye an mouth in black glass vase.
Murano Glass
Murano Barovier Toso Jet Black Heavy Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Bowl Ashtray
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown jet black and gold flecks Italian art glass bowl with internal decoration. The piece is documented to designer Ercole Barovier for Barov...
Gold Leaf
Monumental Ercole Barovier, Barovier & Toso Efeso Blue Vase, 1964
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Monumental Ercole Barovier - Barovier & Toso Efeso Blue Vase 1964 Item e6454 A large blue art glass vase from the 'Efeso' series designed by Ercole Baro...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Barovier Toso Murano Jade Green Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Double Candlestick
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful, and large, vintage Murano hand blown jade green with gold flecks Italian art glass double hands candlestick or candelabra. The piece is documented to designer Ercole Barov...
Gold Leaf
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Toso Efeso Vase Steel Blue Gray Teardrop Shape Murano Glass Vase Italia
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A rare and exquisite Murano glass "Efeso" vase by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, Italy, circa 1960s. This stunning teardrop-shaped vase showcases a unique blend of gray and ste...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier, Italy
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Artistic Murano blown glass vase by Ercole Barovier (1889-1974). Italy, CIRCA 1950.
Glass
Ercole Barovier & Toso Cordonato D’oro Golden Murano Glass Bowl, Italy, 1960s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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
$3,546Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Crepuscolo Vase Ercole Barovier 1930 Murano Art Glass
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Rare Crepuscolo vase Ercole Barovier 1930 Murano art glass. Among the most interesting techniques developed by Ercole Barovier in the 1930s there is "tw...
Murano Glass
1970's Ercole Barovier Black White Murano Glass Vase Barovier & Toso Italy
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Milano, IT
Rare tall vase, circa 1970 Crepuscolo glass, underside marked ‘Bravoier & Toso Murano’. Manufactured by Barovier & Toso, Murano, Italy. Dimensions: 13 x 29 H cm / 5.1 x 11.4 H in F...
Glass, Murano Glass
Pair of Grosse Costolature Bowl by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, 1940's
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
A pair of “A Grosse Costolature” Murano glass bowls with handles, designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, circa 1942–1948. This era can sometimes be referred to as Art M...
Murano Glass
$600Sale Price / item|20% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Red Pink Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Flower Form Bowls
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Price per item (3 different colors available). Gorgeous vintage Murano hand blown controlled bubbles and gold flecks Italian art glass flower form bowls. Documented to designer Erco...
Gold Leaf
Ercole Barovier Rostrato Murano Art Glass Basket Centerpiece Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Barcelona, ES
Ercole Barovier Murano Rostrato green and clear gold flecked glass basket vase Exquisite green Rostrato Murano art glass basket vase with a twi...
Gold Leaf
Ercole Barovier Production Murano Ephesus Series Vase Italy 1964s Mid-Century
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Palermo, IT
ERCOLE BAROVIER . Production Barovier & Toso, Murano, Italy ca. 1964. Vase from the “Efeso” series in blown glass of ice color obtained with the hot coloring technique without fusio...
Murano Glass
1950s Ercole Barovier Zebrati Glass Murano Midcentury Design Italy Bowl Vase
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, IT
"Zebrati" Murano glass Perfect condiction Measures: H 14 x 30 cm.
Murano Glass
Murano Barovier Toso Gold Flecks Vintage Italian Art Glass Heart Shape Bowl Dish
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown gold flecks Italian art glass heart shaped bowl. The piece is documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for the Barovier e Toso Company. The piece w...
Gold Leaf
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Gold Flecks Ruby Red Vines Italian Art Glass Ashtray Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown gold flecks and bright red vine leaf design Italian art glass bowl or ashtray. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier for the Barovier e...
Gold Leaf
Barovier Toso Murano White Optic Swirl Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Flower Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown white and gold flecks Italian art glass oval shape rim, ribbed surface, decorative flower vase. The piece is documented to designer Ercole Barovie...
Gold Leaf
Barovier Toso Murano Jade Green Gold Fleck Italian Art Glass Ribbed Compote Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Gorgeous vintage Murano hand blown jade green and gold flecks Italian art glass footed compote bowl. The piece is documented to designer Ercole Barovier for the Barovier e Toso works...
Gold Leaf
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
Barovier Toso Murano Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Ribbed Footed Flower Vases
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful pair of early Murano hand blown gold flecks Italian art glass footed flower vases. They are documented to the Barovier e Toso company. One has an almost complete "Barovier ...
Gold Leaf
Barovier Toso Murano Label Red Pink Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Pitcher Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful, and rare shape, vintage Murano hand blown red trim and pink pigments Italian art glass pitcher or vase with gold flecks. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for the Ba...
Gold Leaf
Murano Barovier Toso Italian Art Glass Flower Vase White Opalescent Gold Flecks
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown opalescent white, controlled bubbles and gold flecks Italian art glass flower vase. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for the Barovier e Tos...
Gold Leaf
Ercole Barovier for Ferro Toso Barovier Iridescent Seashell Glass Bowl, 1930s
By Ferro Toso Barovier, Ercole Barovier
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Ercole Barovier for Ferro Toso Barovier in 1938, exquisite Murano glass ribbed seashell bowl in heavy clear transparent iridescent glass consisting of large undulating ed...
Blown Glass
Murano Barovier Toso Red Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Ribbed Pitcher Vase
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown deep red and gold flecks Italian art glass pitcher shaped flower vase. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for the Barovier e Toso company. Th...
Gold Leaf
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Purple Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Flower Form Bowl Dish
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown purple, bubbles and gold flecks Italian art glass flower form bowl. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier for the Barovier e Toso company. The bo...
Gold Leaf
Murano Barovier Toso Silver Gold Flecks Grapes Italian Art Glass Compote Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Gorgeous vintage Murano hand blown, silver and gold flecks with grape decoration Italian art glass compote bowl / vase. Documented to the Barovier e Toso company, circa 1930s-1940s. ...
Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf
Ercole Barovier - Barovier & Toso 'A Grosse Costolature' Bowl 1942
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Ercole Barovier - Barovier & Toso 'A Grosse Costolature' Bowl 1942 A large shell shaped 'A Grosse Costolature' bowl in heavy iridescent Murano glass. Designed by Ercole Barovier an...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Large Murano "Bullicante" Blown Glass Fan Flower Vase by Barovier, Italy 1950s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Magnificent rostrato and "bullicante" mouth-blown crystal Murano glass vase made by Ercole Barovier in Italy during the 1950s. In spectacular condition, not missing a single spike, w...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$4,547Sale Price|27% Off
Ercole Barovier Murano Seminatore Clear Massiccio Glass Gold Applications, 1930
By Ercole Barovier, Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
This is a great sculpture. Please check details on photo. It's part of a group of probably four figurines representing the four seasons. This is the spr...
Gold Leaf
Barovier Toso Murano Yellow Spots Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Flower Form Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown bright yellow and gold flecks Italian art glass flower form bowl or ashtray. Documented to the Barovier e Toso company. The bowl is decorated with...
Gold Leaf
Barovier Toso Murano Black Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Pear Fruit Paperweight
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown dark brown pigments, black and gold flecks Italian art glass pear figure / sculpture. The piece is documented to designer Ercole Barovie...
Gold Leaf
Ercole Barovier Barbarico Vase For Barovier & Toso, 1951s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Skokie, IL
Ercole Barovier Barbarico Vase For Barovier & Toso Italy, 1951 Additional information: Dimensions: 4" W x 4" D x 12.25" H
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Set of 3 Murano Ashtrays or Decorativ Bowls in Orange Murano Glass, Italy 1970
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century collection of three decorative bowls or ashtrays in sommerso Murano mouth blown black, orange and white glass with gold details. This incredibly charming and un...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Murano Barovier Toso Gray Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Squared Ashtray Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown gray and gold flecks Italian art glass squared shaped bowl. The piece is documented to designer Ercole Barovier for Barovier e Toso, circa 1960s. ...
Gold Leaf
Murano Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso with White Canes, Italy
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This is an extremely fine vase, designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso's company in Murano. It is made in hand-blown glass with white canes. This is...
Murano Glass
$300Sale Price|25% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Clear Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Bird Figurine Sculpture
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown clear, gold flecks, and bubbles Italian art glass baby bird figurine. Documented to the Barovier e Toso Company. I have owned several with labels ...
Gold Leaf
Vintage Barovier & Toso 'A Grosse Costolature' Art Glass Vase
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage Murano art glass vase. By Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso. From the 'A Grosse Costolature' series. With a fan-shape...
Art Glass
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Toso Murano White Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Flared Scallop Rim Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown white and gold flecks Italian art glass scallop and flared rim decorative bowl. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for the Barovier e Toso co...
Gold Leaf
Ercole Barovier, Bowl, Glass, Italy, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in High Point, NC
A blown-glass bowl designed by Ercole Barovier and produced by Barovier & Toso, Italy, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 3.5"H x 7.5"W x 5.5"D All items ship from High Point, ...
Glass
Murano Barovier Toso Gray Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Decorative Flower Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown gray and gold flecks Italian art glass flower shaped bowl. The piece is documented to designer Ercole Barovier for Barovier e Toso, circa 1960s. I...
Gold Leaf
Barovier et Toso Murano Vase White & Black Vase with Gold Inclusions, Circa 1980
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Ercole Barovier handled White Murano Glass Vase with Black and Gold. Featuring a hand blown translucent White Murano Glass, applied Black coil details with Gold inclusions, two leaf ...
Murano Glass
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Green Roses Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Flower Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Gorgeous and large, early Murano hand blown gold flecks and green accents Italian art glass flower vase. Documented to the Barovier e Toso company, with original "Barovier & Toso Mur...
Gold Leaf
$375Sale Price|25% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Yellow Blue Gold Fleck Italian Art Glass Love Bird Figurine
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown bright yellow and sapphire blue spots, bubbles and gold flecks Italian art glass baby bird figurine / sculpture. Documented to the Barovier e Toso...
Gold Leaf
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Amethyst Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Footed Flower Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful, early Murano hand blown amethyst purple and gold flecks Italian art glass footed flower vase. Documented to the Barovier e Toso company. The body of the vase has thin a ri...
Gold Leaf
$6,821Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier, Circa 1950
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Piacenza, Italy
Vase of the "barbarici" series in grey glass with the gilded surface corroded with the application of metal oxides under heat. The central hole and the applied foot are rimmed with b...
Glass, Murano Glass
Barovier Murano Gold Flecks Purple Leafs Italian Art Glass Spoon Rest Dishes
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown gold flecks and purple leaf design Italian art glass low dishes, knife / spoon rests or personal ashtrays. The design is documented to Ercole Baro...
Gold Leaf
Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso Attr. Glass Basket circa 1940s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso Attr. Glass Basket circa 1940s A great Murano market basket attributed to Barovier & Toso ca. 1940s. Thick fused clear glass with gold foil inclu...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier Murano Glass Bowl in Turquoise with Gold Inclusions 1950s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso in the 1950s, this exquisite Murano art glass bowl is masterfully hand-blown in a luminous turquoise glass and richly infused with...
Blown Glass
Ercole Barovier, Barovier & Toso Efeso Vase ca. 1960s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Ercole Barovier - Barovier & Toso Efeso vase ca. 1960s A great blue vase from the 'efeso' series designed by Ercole Barovier in 1964 for Barovier & Toso, M...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier Large Porpora Glass Bowl with Gold Inclusions, Italy, 1960s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in New York, NY
Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso large "Porpora" Murano glass bowl, Italy, 1960s. This exceptional centerpiece showcases Barovier's celebrated Porpora technique, distinguished by ...
Blown Glass
"Lente", Ercole Barovier Empty Pockets, 1950s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Palermo, PA
"Lente", Ercole Barovier empty pockets, 1950s. Dimensions: H=6 cm; D=19 cm.
Glass
Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso Iridescent Glass Bowl, Italy 1948
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Naples, IT
Bowl or "a large costolature" cup in heavy iridescent Murano glass, designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso in 1948.
Murano Glass
Barovier Hand Blown "Bullicante" Vase w/ Gold Leaf Inclusions Controlled Bubbles
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This is a rare example of a hand blown Barovier and Toso "Bullicante" crystal vase with allover controlled bubbles. The shape is Classic but unusual and it features 2 round applied "...
Blown Glass
1930s Murano Centerpiece by Ercole Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Kilmarnock, VA
A remarkable hand-blown glass bowl from the 1930s by the celebrated Murano maestro Ercole Barovier, created for Artistica Barovier. The organic shape of the bowl evokes stylized agav...
Blown Glass
$1,962Sale Price|20% Off
Rugiadoso Centerpiece Bowl by Ercole Barovier, Murano Glass, 1940
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in London, GB
Rugiadoso biomorphic bowl of a shells resting on a pedestal of sea urchins designed circa 1940 by Ercole Barovier (1889-1974) and is produced one of the oldest family businesses in t...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass