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 Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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
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
Rostrato Vase Barovier style, Clear Murano Glass, italian mid-century modern
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
Murano Barovier Toso Red Intarsio Mosaic Triangle Tessere Italian Art Glass Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown ruby red and dark taupe gray triangle Tessere mosaic Italian art glass flower vase. The piece is documented to designer Ercole Barovier,...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Murrine
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 Large Rostrato Murano Glass Italian Vase, 1940s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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
Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier, Green, 1940
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
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Purple Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Double Handle Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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
$760Sale 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
Ercole Barovier Murano Art Glass Double Flower Vase, Pink & Gold Leaf, 1950
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
$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 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
$1,400Sale 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 Exceptional Pulegoso Glass Vase with Applied Discs, 1930s
By Barovier, Ercole 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
Ercole Barovier Toso Mid Century Murano Italian Art Glass Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Ercole Barovier Toso Mid Century Murano Italian Art Glass Vase This vase measures: 6.5 wide x 6.5 deep x 4.75 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition. We take our photos in a cont...
Art 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
$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
"Inlay Vase," Ercole Barovier, Murano 1970-1975
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Venezia, IT
Blown vase with alternating yellow and blue tiles. 1970-1975.
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
Large Ercole Barovier - Barovier & Toso Aborigeno Vase 1954
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Ercole Barovier - Barovier & Toso Aborigeno Vase 1954 A large art glass vase from the 'Aborigeni' series designed by Ercole Barovier in 1954 for Barovier & Toso, Murano, Italy...
Art Glass
Ercole Barovier vase Murano Rostrato white Iridescent 1940.
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Palermo, IT
Incredible large vase mid-century crystal- rostrato Murano mouth-blown glass. This wonderful object was produced in the 1940s in Italy by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso. The ma...
Murano Glass
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
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Ercole Barovier Toso Murano 1966 Blue Red Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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 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
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
$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
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Purple Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Fan Top Flower Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown purple and gold flecks Italian art glass footed, with fan shape rim decorative flower vase. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for the Barovi...
Gold Leaf
Ercole Barovier Corniola Glass Vase for Barovier & Toso, Italy 1952
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Milan, IT
Ercole Barovier Corniola Murano Glass vase for Barovier & Toso, Italy 1952 Original Label.
Murano Glass
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
"Spuma di Mare" Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in New York, NY
"Spuma di Mare" Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, Italy. "Spuma di Mare" translates to "Sea Foam" referring to the bubbles under glass surface. Made by Ercole Barov...
Murano 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
Rare Orange Murano Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier model "Rotellati", Italy
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This is an extremely rare vase, designed by Ercole barovier for Barovier's company in Murano. It is made in hand-blown glass, with a tile composition that req...
Murano Glass
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Toso Efeso Vase Steel Blue Gray Teardrop Shape Murano Glass Vase Italia
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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
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
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
Efeso Vase, designed in 1964, Ercole Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Brussels, BE
Efeso Vase, designed in 1964, Ercole Barovier Ercole Barovier was born on Murano, an island near Venice, in 1889. He began working in his family's glass workshop at the age of 20 an...
Murano Glass
Murano Glass Crepuscolo Vase by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, RM
Rare and impressive "Crepuscolo" Murano glass vase from the late 1930's. Designed by the legendary Creative Director Ercole Barovier, employing his technique of inserting steel wool ...
Murano Glass
Pair of Murano Glass Barovier and Toso vase C1960
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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
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 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
$7,142Sale 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
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...
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
Rare “a Mugnoni” Murano Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, 1938
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An exceptional and museum-worthy Murano glass vase designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso in 1938, from the renowned “a mugnoni” series. This iconic piece is defined by its...
Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier Rostrato Murano Art Glass Basket Centerpiece Vase
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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 for Barovier & Toso “A Stelle” Murano Glass Vase, Italy, 1937
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Milano, IT
Exceptional Murano glass vase from the celebrated “A Stelle” series, designed by Ercole Barovier and produced by Barovier & Toso in Italy, circa 1937. Executed in thick, heavy co...
Glass, Blown Glass
$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
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
Large Murano Orange & Gold Aventurine Art Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier, 1950s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Minneapolis, MN
Here is a bold and sculptural mid-century Murano art glass vase by renowned Italian designer Ercole Barovier, produced by Barovier & Toso, Italy, circa 1950s. The vase presents ...
Blown 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
Barovier Toso Murano Labels and Signed Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Flower Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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
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
Vintage Ercole Barovier - Barovier & Toso Barbarico Vase 1951
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C., Ercole Barovier
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Ercole Barovier - Barovier & Toso Barbarico Vase 1951 A vintage art glass vase from the 'Barbarico' series designed by Ercole Barovier in 1951 for Barovier & Toso, M...
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
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
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
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
$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 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
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...
Murano Glass