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Ercole Barovier Paperweights

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
Barovier Toso Murano Yellow Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Love Birds Sculpture
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown bright yellow, controlled bubbles and gold flecks Italian art glass love birds sculpture. Documented to the Barovier e Toso Company. The two canar...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ercole Barovier Paperweights

Materials

Gold Leaf

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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ercole Barovier Paperweights

Materials

Gold Leaf

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 ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ercole Barovier Paperweights

Materials

Gold Leaf

Barovier Toso Murano Pink Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Bird Figurine Sculpture
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown clear, dark pink, and bubbles Italian art glass baby bird figurine. Documented to the Barovier e Toso Company. I have owned several with labels be...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Ercole Barovier Paperweights

Materials

Gold Leaf

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Barovier Toso Murano Swirl Gold Flecks Orange & Red Art Glass Bowl
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Italian Murano Glass Dove Signed by Barovier and Toso
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Vintage Murano Art Glass Black Bird Mid-Century Modern, 1960's
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Signed Barovier & Toso Murano Gold Crystal Glass Shaped Paperweight, Italy 1950s
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Ercole Barovier - Barovier & Toso 'A Grosse Costolature' Bowl 1942
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Barovier Toso Murano Blue Yellow Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Bird Figurine
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Barovier Toso Murano Turquoise Gold Fleck Italian Art Glass Love Birds Sculpture
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Barovier Toso Murano Blue Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Bowl Paperweight Set
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Ercole Barovier paperweights for sale on 1stDibs.

Ercole Barovier paperweights are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of murano glass and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Ercole Barovier paperweights, although gold editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original paperweights by Ercole Barovier were created in the mid-century modern style in italy during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider paperweights by Salviati, Archimede Seguso, and Alfredo Barbini. Prices for Ercole Barovier paperweights can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $760 and can go as high as $760, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $760.

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