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Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

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 (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.

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Creator: Ercole Barovier
Midcentury Set of 3 "Submerged" Murano Glass Italian Bowl, Barovier, Italy 1970
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century collection of three decorative bowls in "Sommerso" Murano crystal glass. This wonderful set was designed by Barovier in Italy during the 1970s. The sinuous li...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass

Vintage Purple Murano Glass Ashtray-Catchall by Ercole Barovier mod. "Porpora"
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1950s. Made in purple Murano glass with gold leaf. This is a piece of the "porpora" serie by Ercole Barovier. It is a vintage piece, therefore it might show slight tr...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Barovier Toso Murano Iridescent Italian Art Glass Sculptural Conch Seashell Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful, rare, vintage Murano hand blown clear iridescent Italian art glass sculptural conch shell bowl. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier for Barovier e Toso, circa 1940s. Cr...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

"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.
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Barovier Toso Murano Bright Orange Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Scalloped Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown orange and gold flecks Italian art glass scrapped rim bowl. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier for the Barovier e Toso company. Created with t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Monumental Barovier e Toso Murano Modern Glass Vase
By Vintage Murano Gallery, Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Culver City, CA
A monumental blue red and clear Murano art glass vase made by Ercole Barovier for Barovier e Toso. Italy, circa 1990s. This elegant, yet still whimsical vase features a gorgeous wavy / curvy design and a fantastic graduated shape. The body of this Barovier e Toso Murano vase...
Category

1990s Italian Modern Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Murano Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso with White Canes, Italy
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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...
Category

1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso Iridescent Vase, 1930s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant vase by Ercole Barovier of the 1930s. The vase is made with iridescent technique, in fact the whole object is made of iridescent crystal in the shape of a shell. The vase is ...
Category

1930s Italian Art Deco Vintage Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal

Barovier Toso Murano Red Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Flared Rim Gondola Bowl
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown deep red and gold flecks Italian art glass gondola shaped flared rim decorative bowl. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for the Barovier e T...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Barovier Toso Murano 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. ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf, Silver Leaf

Barovier et Toso Murano Vase White & Black Vase with Gold Inclusions, Circa 1980
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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 ...
Category

1980s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Barovier Toso Murano Yellow Spots Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Flower Form Bowl
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Murano 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 Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Barovier Toso Murano Vintage Gold Flecks 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. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier for the Barovier e Toso Company. The bowl has a ribbed pat...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Barovier Toso Murano Gold Flecks Ruby Red Vines Italian Art Glass Ashtray Bowl
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Murano Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso with White Canes, Italy
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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...
Category

1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Barovier Toso Murano Red Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Ribbed Pitcher Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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. Cr...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Ercole Barovier, vase from 'Dorico' series, 1960
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Zurich, CH
Ercole Barovier (1889-1974), vase from 'Dorico' series, 1960 fused glass tesserae in transparent and white glass produced by Barovier & Toso, Murano, Italy 28 x 11 cm very good co...
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Barovier Toso Murano 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. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier for Barovier e Toso, circa 1960s. Created in the...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Barovier Toso Murano Jade Green Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Spike Bowl Ashtray
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown jade green and gold flecks Italian art glass ribbed with spike corners bowl / cigar ashtray. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier for the the Ba...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Murano blown glass vase, design Ercole BAROVIER. Italy, 1950s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Torino, IT
Blown glass vase murano glass with gold flakes, design Ercole BAROVIER. ORIGIN Italy PERIOD 1950s AUTHOR Hercules BAROVIER MATERIALS Blown glass and gold flakes DIMENSIONS Heigh...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Ercole Barovier - Ferro Toso Barovier Bowl ca. 1936
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Ercole Barovier - Ferro Toso Barovier Bowl ca. 1936 A nice glass bowl manufactured by Ferro Toso Barovier ca. 1936, Murano Italy. Honey yellow glass with gold foil inclusion and a o...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Murano Glass

Barovier Toso Murano Green Roses Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Flower Vase
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Barovier Toso Murano Yellow Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Spike Bowl Ashtray
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown bright yellow and gold flecks Italian art glass ribbed with spike corners bowl / cigar ashtray. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier for the the...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold Leaf

Ercole Barovier, "Porpora Cup", 1950
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Paris, FR
Ercole Barovier "Porpora Cup", c. 1950 Execution: Cased glass, clear and red Measure: H : 11 cm (4.33") Overall very good condition A piece both highly collectible and decorative at the same time. Ercole Barovier was born in 1889 into a well-known family of glassmakers. At the age of 26, he became artistic director of his father's factory, "Vetreria Artistica Barovier...
Category

1950s Italian Modern Vintage Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Murano Glass

Footed Bowl Gold Leaf and Grapes, Ercole Barovier for Barovier Toso & Co 1949
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in London, GB
Classically shaped oval bowl is a master class of technique and elegance, designed by Ercole Barovier (1889-1974) circa 1948 for Barovier, Toso & Co. It has an edging of white on the...
Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

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...
Category

1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass

Vase by Ercole Barovier
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...
Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Murano Glass

Ercole Barovier, 'Rostrato' vase, ca. 1938
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Zurich, CH
Barovier & Toso, original 'Rostrato' bowl, ca. 1938 clear glass with applications executed by Barovier & Toso, Murano, Italy LITERATURE This and similar works are referenced in t...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Ercole Barovier, vase of 'Medusa' series 1938
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Zurich, CH
Ercole Barovier (1889-1972), vase of 'Medusa' series, 1938 iridized glass with applied details and gold leaf inclusions 31 cm (height) very good condition LITERATURE A. Dorigato, ...
Category

1930s Italian Vintage Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Ercole Barovier for Ferro Toso Barovier, murano glass vase "avventurina"
By Ercole Barovier, Ferro Toso Barovier
Located in Aachen, DE
A nice "avventurine" Murano glass handle vase made in the 1930ties by Ferro Toso Barovier, designed by Ercole Barovier. The vase with a classic shape, was decorated with copper inclu...
Category

1930s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Centerpiece by Ercole Barovier for Barovier, Toso & Co. 1940 in Rugiadoso
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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...
Category

1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass

Ercole Barovier, model 'Pezzato', 1950
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Zurich, CH
Ercole Barovier (1889 - 1974), model 'Pezzato', 1950 amber and red tesserae produced by Barovier & Toso, Murano, Italy 20 cm (height) marked with old 'Barovier & Toso' label, numbe...
Category

1950s European Vintage Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

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.
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Ercole Barovier, glass vase 'Oriente', ca. 1940
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Zurich, CH
Ercole Barovier (1889-1974), glass vase 'Oriente', ca. 1940 pressed bulbous vase of thick-walled colorless glass, in the intermediate layer alternating green and blue color bands and...
Category

1940s Italian Vintage Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Ercole Barovier, "Trilobe" Vase, 1935
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Paris, FR
Ercole Barovier "Trilobe" vase, c. 1935 Execution: Cased glass, clear brown and dark. Signed: original label and serial number. (Picture 7) Measure: H : 34.5 cm (13.4") Overall...
Category

1930s Italian Modern Vintage Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Glass

Ercole Barovier, "Aborigeni Vase", 1950
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Paris, FR
Ercole Barovier "Aborigeni vase", c. 1950 Execution: Cased glass, clear and black H : 34 cm (13.38") Overall Very good condition A piece both highly collectible and decorative...
Category

1950s Italian Modern Vintage Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

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 "...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Blown Glass

Ercole Barovier Production Murano Ephesus Series Vase Italy 1964s Mid-Century
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ercole Barovier Decorative Objects

Materials

Murano Glass

Ercole Barovier decorative objects for sale on 1stDibs.

Ercole Barovier decorative objects are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of glass and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Ercole Barovier decorative objects, although gold editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original decorative objects by Ercole Barovier were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider decorative objects by Alfredo Barbini, Flavio Poli, and Fulvio Bianconi. Prices for Ercole Barovier decorative objects can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $120 and can go as high as $70,000, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $1,735.

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