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.
Art Deco Iridescent Shell Bowl by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, Italy 30s
By Barovier, Ercole 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
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
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 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
Barovier Toso Murano Copper Aventurine Italian Art Glass Centerpiece Fruit Bowl
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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 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 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...
Gold Leaf
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
Murano Barovier Toso Iridescent Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Scissor Cut Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and unusual, vintage Murano hand blown slight iridescent surface with gold flecks accents Italian art glass decorative bowl. The piece is attributed to designer Ercole Baro...
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
Barovier Toso Art Deco Glass Bowl Murano Italy
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
This particular Art Deco glass bowl was made by Barovier & Toso in the 1930s in Murano, Italy. In a beautiful combination of clear cased glass with loads of gold leaf inclusions ...
Murano Glass
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...
Gold Leaf
Barovier Toso Murano Orange Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Flower Star Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown orange and gold flecks Italian art glass star / flower shaped bowl. The piece is documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for the Barovier e Toso c...
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...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
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
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
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Toso Murano White Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Flared Scallop Rim Bowl
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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 Green Iridescent Grosse Costolature Clam Shell Glass Bowl, 1940s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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 green Murano glass with undulating pron...
Blown 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
$563Sale Price|24% Off
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...
Gold Leaf
Barovier Toso Efeso Bowl Plate Dish Vessel Aquatic Water Bubbles Blue Murano Art
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Exquisite, rare and iconic art glass bowl, plate, dish or vessel designed by Ercole Barovier circa 1965 and manufactured by the legendary Italian art glass furnaces of Barovier Toso ...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier - Barovier & Toso 'A Grosse Costolature' Bowl 1942
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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
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...
Art Glass, Murano 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 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.
Murano Glass
Murano Barovier Toso Gold Flecks Vintage Italian Art Glass Heart Shape Bowl Dish
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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
Ercole Barovier for Ferro Toso Barovier Iridescent Seashell Glass Bowl, 1930s
By Ercole Barovier, Ferro Toso 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
Ercole Barovier Large Porpora Glass Bowl with Gold Inclusions, Italy, 1960s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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
Ercole Barovier Footed Bowl, Gold Leaf Grapes, Murano Glass, 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...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Barovier Toso Murano Jade Green Gold Fleck Italian Art Glass Ribbed Compote Bowl
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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
$634Sale Price|62% Off
Murano Glass Bowl by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, 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
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
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
Ercole Barovier Toso Murano Blue Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Conch Shell Bowl
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Gorgeous, monumental, vintage Murano hand blown blue with gold flecks Italian art glass seashell centerpiece sculptural bowl with pearl inside. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier...
Gold Leaf
Barovier Toso Murano Purple Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Ribbed Seashell Bowl
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown amethyst purple and gold flecks Italian art glass seashell shaped bowl or ashtray. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for Barovier e Toso. Cr...
Gold Leaf
Ercole Barovier Murano Glass Bowl in Turquoise with Gold Inclusions 1950s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Murano Lavender Gold Flecks Swirl Cloud Design Italian Art Glass Bowl
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and large, vintage Murano hand blown gold flecks and lavender purple swirling design Italian art glass bowl. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier for the Barovier e Toso company, circa 1955-1960. The color of the design is actually lavender, but looks mauve in some of the photos because of the heavy yellow gold on the layer underneath, and the photos themselves were taken outside in sunlight. The bowl is profusely filled with heavy gold leaf throughout. This particular design has always reminded me of stylistic Japanese cloud...
Gold Leaf
Ashtray or Vide-Poche in Rostrato Murano Blown Glass by Barovier, Italy 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous ashtray or vide-poche in mouth-blown "rostrato" Murano glass. This stunning piece was realized during the 1940s in Italy by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso. In amazing ...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Murano Barovier Toso Gray Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Decorative Flower Bowl
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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
Murano Barovier Toso Gray Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Squared Ashtray Bowl
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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
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...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass
Barovier Toso Murano Gold Flecks Blue Swirl Italian Art Glass Heart Dish Bowl
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful, and very rare, vintage Murano hand blown blue and gold flecks Italian art glass heart shaped bowl. The piece is documented to the Barovier e Toso company. The bowl is full...
Gold Leaf
$600Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Gold Leaf
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Light Green Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Bowl Ashtray
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown light green and gold flecks Italian art glass bowl with internal decoration. The piece is documented to designer Ercole Barovier for Bar...
Gold Leaf
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
$2,116Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier&Toso clear and gold murano glass centerpiece plate 20th century
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Palermo, IT
Great centerpiece, decorative plate murano glass by Barovier&Toso, with 24K gold leaf insertion inside. 1969 production one of the first to go on sale in those years. Very good co...
Gold, Gold Leaf
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Purple Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Flower Form Bowl Dish
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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
$800Sale Price|33% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Red Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Flower Star Flared Bowl
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown red and gold flecks Italian art glass star or flower shaped bowl. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier for Barovier e Toso. The piece is profuse...
Gold Leaf
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
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
$563Sale Price|24% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Green Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Flower Form Bowl Dish
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Gorgeous vintage Murano hand blown green, bubbles and gold flecks Italian art glass flower form bowl. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier for the Barovier e Toso company. The colo...
Gold Leaf
Barovier Toso Green & Gold Striped Murano Glass Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in New York, NY
Gorgeous Murano, Italy glass decorative bowl. Hand blown in the shape of a flower. Featuring alternating clear glass and green glass stripes around the floral shape as well as "graff...
Gold
"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
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...
Gold Leaf
Centerpiece by Ercole Barovier for Barovier, Toso & Co. 1940 in Rugiadoso
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