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.
Ercole Barovier Rostrato Murano Glass Italian Vase for Barovier & Toso, 1940s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic mouth-blown rostrato crystal Murano glass vase. This marvelous decorative piece was realized during the 1940s in Italy by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso. In fabulous ...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Large Rostrato Vase in clear Murano Glass, Italy
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Venezia, IT
Rostrato vase in authentic Murano glass, handmade in the typical Rostrato style introduced by Ercole Barovier at the beginning of the twentieth century. Additional information: Mate...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
20th Century Italian Modern Vintage Rostri Murano Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A tall, vintage Mid-Century modern Italian single Rostri vase made of hand blown slightly smoked Murano glass, designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, in good condition....
Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier Rostrato Murano Glass Vase for Barovier & Toso, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Palermo, IT
Amazing midcentury mouth-blown rostrato crystal Murano glass vase. This wonderful object was produced during the 1940s in Italy by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso. This masterpie...
Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier Toso Murano Glass Spira Aurata Vase, 1960s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Barcelona, ES
Murano Art Glass 'Spira Aurata Striato Vase' by Ercole Barovier, Barovier e Toso, Italy, 1966. Spira Aurata series oval-section conical vase in blown glass with polychrome garnet, r...
Gold Leaf
Ercole Barovier Ribbed Iridescent Mauve Murano Vase, Circa 1950's
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Ercole Barovier & Toso Dusty Pink & Clear Murano Glass Coruscating Vase. Featuring a handcrafted, vertically ribbed form, scalloped opening, in translucent Dusty Pink Lavende...
Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier Exceptional Pulegoso Glass Vase with Applied Discs, 1930s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An extraordinarily rare example of Ercole Barovier’s early 1930s experimentation with the pulegoso technique, this sculptural vase represents one of the most sought-after chapters in...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
$774Sale Price|56% Off
Italian Murano Art Glass Transparent Vase by Barovier, Bullicante Model, 1950s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Beautiful Italian desgn mid-century murano art glass transparent vase. This model vase designed by Ercole Barovier (Murano, Italy, 1950s). A stunning little vase made with a distinc...
Art Glass
Barovier Toso Murano White Optic Swirl Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Flower Vase
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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
Ercole Barovier Toso Murano Glass Spira Aurata Vase, 1960s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Barcelona, ES
Murano Art Glass 'Spira Aurata Striato Vase' by Ercole Barovier, Barovier e Toso, Italy, 1966. Spira Aurata series oval-section drop vase in blown green-blue glass with polychrome ga...
Gold Leaf
$1,395Sale Price|20% Off
Ercole Barovier Toso Italian Murano Art Glass Vase
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Ercole Barovier Toso Italian Murano art glass vase.
Art Glass
Ercole Barovier Large Rostrato Murano Glass Italian Vase, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous large mouth-blown rostrato crystal Murano glass vase. This spectacular decorative piece was produced in Italy during the 1940s by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso. In m...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
20th Century Green Italian Single Vintage Murano Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A light-green, vintage Mid-Century modern Italian single vase made of hand blown slightly smoked, colored Murano glass, designed by Ercole Barovier and produced by Barovier & Tos...
Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier Murano Art Glass Double Flower Vase, Pink & Gold Leaf, 1950
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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
$6,419Sale Price|20% Off
Ercole Barovier, vase model 'Lenti', ca. 1940
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Zurich, CH
Ercole Barovier (1889-1974), vase model 'Lenti', ca. 1940 transparent and blue glass with gold inclusions produced by Barovier & Toso, Murano, Italy 25 cm (height) not signed very go...
Murano Glass
$141,598Sale Price|20% Off
Rare and Important Mosaico vase Vetreria Artistica Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Zurich, CH
Rare and Important Mosaico vase Vetreria Artistica Barovier Italy, c. 1924 fused and blown polychrome glass murrine Signed Ercole Barovier 100% authentic, proven by the expert Gianc...
Murano Glass
$141,598Sale Price|20% Off
Rare and Important Mosaico vase Vetreria Artistica Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Zurich, CH
Rare and Important Mosaico vase Vetreria Artistica Barovier Italy, c. 1924 fused and blown polychrome glass murrine Signed Ercole Barovier 100% authentic, proven by a well known exp...
Murano Glass
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Purple Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Double Handle Vase
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful, rare, vintage Murano hand blown gold flecks and dark purple trim Italian art glass ornate pierced handles vase. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for the Barovier e ...
Gold Leaf
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
Monumental Ercole Barovier, Barovier & Toso Efeso Blue Vase, 1964
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Berghuelen, DE
A large blue art glass vase from the 'Efeso' series designed by Ercole Barovier in 1964 for Barovier & Toso, Murano, Italy. Thick glass in bright blue w...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Neolitico 1954 Pulled Feather Design Italian Art Glass Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown grays and blacks feathered design Italian art glass flower vase. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for the Barovier e Toso company...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
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.
Glass
Barovier Toso Murano Labels and Signed Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Flower Vase
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown pink spots, random bubbles and gold flecks Italian art glass flower vase. The piece is documented to the Barovier e Toso company. It is ...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
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
$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
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Ercole Barovier Toso Murano 1966 Blue Red Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Vase
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Rare and beautiful, vintage Murano hand blown blue and wine red stripes on gold flecks Italian art glass flower vase. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for the Barovier e Toso ...
Gold Leaf
Barovier e Toso Cordonato D' Oro Murano Art Glass Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite art glass vase by Ercole Barovier for Barovier e Toso Italian 1940s. This example is in excellent original condition, free of damage, flaws or cosmetic wear. Classic Cordon...
Art Glass
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
Barovier Toso Murano Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Ribbed Footed Flower Vases
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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
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
$3,250Sale Price|35% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Intarsio Mosaic Triangle Tessere Italian Art Glass Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Rare and beautiful, vintage Murano hand blown red and taupe gray triangle Tessere mosaic Italian art glass flower vase. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for Barovier e Toso, c...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Murrine, Glass
Vintage Ercole Barovier - Barovier & Toso Rostrato Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Ercole Barovier - Barovier & Toso Rostrato Vase A vintage art glass vase from the 'Rostrato' series designed by Ercole Barovier in 1938 and manufactured by Barovier &...
Art Glass
$103,839Sale Price|20% Off
Murrine vase Ercole Barovier 1930
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C., Ercole Barovier
Located in Zurich, CH
Ercole Barovier. Murrine vase 1930 Artistica Barovier Italy, 1930 Clear murrines edged in green Signature Ercole Barovier 31 × 17 cm Excellent condition The vase comes from th...
Murano Glass
Barovier Toso Murano Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Ribbed Vase/ Vessel
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Buffalo, NY
Barovier Toso Murano Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Ribbed Vase/ Vessel. 1950s
Art Glass
$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...
Blown Glass, Glass, Murano Glass, Art Glass
$113,279Sale Price|20% Off
Rare „Floreali“ vase by Ercole Barovier Vetreria Artistica Barovier. 1924
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C., Ercole Barovier
Located in Zurich, CH
Rare and Important „Floreali“ vase by Ercole Barovier Vetreria Artistica Barovier. A masterpiece of murrine technique, featuring intricate flower patterns that captivate collectors....
Murano Glass
$103,839Sale Price|20% Off
Murrine vase Ercole Barovier 1930
By Ercole Barovier, Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in Zurich, CH
Ercole Barovier. Murrine vase 1930 Artistica Barovier Italy, 1930 Clear murrines edged in red with aventurine Signature Ercole Barovier 31 × 17 cm Excellent condition Provenie...
Murano Glass
Vintage Pair of Transparent Bullicante Murano Glass Vases by Ercole Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1930s - 1940s Made in transparent bullicante hand-blown Murano glass by Ercole Barovier. These vases are original and quite rare to find as a pair, especially in this...
Murano Glass
$7,268Sale Price|20% Off
Vase series Lenti di Ercole by Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Torino, IT
Ercole Barovier lens vase. Elegant vase from the Lenti series made of submerged glass. Aquamarine color with gold leaf inclusions. The surface is transparent and is covered with h...
Glass
$108,559Sale Price|20% Off
Rare „Floreali“ vase by Ercole Barovier Vetreria Artistica Barovier
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C., Ercole Barovier
Located in Zurich, CH
Rare and Important „Floreali“ vase by Ercole Barovier Vetreria Artistica Barovier. A masterpiece of murrine technique, featuring intricate flower patterns that captivate collectors....
Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier "Porpora" Vase for Barovier & Toso, circa 1954
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Brussels, BE
Ercole Barovier "Porpora" vase for Barovier & Toso, circa 1954.
Glass
Barovier & Toso Rare monumental “Piumato” Vasa, Italy 1940
By Ercole Barovier, Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in Conversano, IT
This extraordinary vase belongs to the celebrated “Piumato” series by Barovier & Toso, created around 1942 under the artistic direction of Ercole Barovier, and regarded as one of...
Murano Glass
$5,286Sale Price|20% Off
Ercole Barovier, 'Rostrato' vase, ca. 1960
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Zurich, CH
Ercole Barovier (1889-1974), 'Rostrato' vase, ca. 1960 blue glass with applications produced by Barovier & Toso, Murano, Italy LITERATURE This and similar works are referenced in th...
Murano Glass
Pair of Murano Glass Barovier and Toso vase C1960
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in London, GB
A pair of elegant milky pink/white candlesticks with an almost red contrasting centre Produced in Murano in the 1960s by Barovier & Toso. Original label present. (See images).
Blown Glass
$28,319Sale Price|20% Off
Ercole Barovier Dorico Acqamare Murano Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Zurich, CH
Rare and Large Barovier and Toso Dorico vase designed by Ercole Barovier circa 1960. 33 x 16 cm. Excellent original condition
Murano Glass
Barovier&Toso Murano glass "rostrato" green vase circa 1938.
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and special Ercole Barovier for Barovier&Toso circa 1938 green "rostrato" Murano glass vase.
Murano Glass
$4,531Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier & Toso Murano. Vase Spira Aurata
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Zurich, CH
Barovier & Toso Murano. Vase Spira Aurata Drop-shaped vase of the series. Spira Aurata with oval section in mouth blown glass with spiral polychrome tubular decoration, attached foo...
Murano Glass
$5,569Sale Price|20% Off
Ercole Barovier, 'Rostrato' vase, ca. 1938
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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...
Murano Glass
$5,475Sale Price|20% Off
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...
Murano Glass
$5,475Sale Price|20% Off
Ercole Barovier, Vase „Alterno“, 1951
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Zurich, CH
Ercole Barovier (1889-1974), 'Alterno' vase, 1951 pezzato vase with fused glass tesserae in red and blue produced by Barovier & Toso, Murano, Italy 25 cm (height) signed 'Barovier &...
Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier Murano Signed 1956 Italian Art Glass Flower Vase Opal Chalcedony
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown opalescent and silver flecks Italian art glass flower vase. The piece is documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for the Barovier and To...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Opaline Glass
Mugnoni' Murano Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier, Italy 1938
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare 'Mugnoni' hand-blown Murano glass vase designed by the esteemed Italian artist Ercole Barovier in 1938. This exquisite piece features a breathtaking spherical silhouette adorn...
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
Vintage Ercole Barovier Brown Effeso Art Glass Vase, circa 1968
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A vintage Murano Effeso art glass vase with reddy brown inclusions in a clear ground with extensive bubbling to the glass designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso. The vase ha...
Art Glass
Murano Barovier Toso 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. Th...
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
$712Sale Price|25% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Green Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Ribbed Pitcher Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown emerald green and gold flecks Italian art glass decorative pitcher shaped flower vase. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for the Barovier e ...
Gold Leaf
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
$4,050Sale Price|25% Off
Ercole Barovier Toso Murano 1954 Purple Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown amethyst purple and yellow stripes, with gold flecks Italian art glass flower vase. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for Barovier...
Gold Leaf
Murano Barovier Toso Italian Art Glass Flower Vase White Opalescent Gold Flecks
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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