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 Large Rostrato Murano Glass Italian, Italy, 1940s
By Barovier, Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous large mouth-blown Murano glass vase in rostrato crystal. This stunning decorative piece was produced in Italy during the 1940s by the master glassmaker Ercole Barovier. In...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
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
Vintage Murano Pezzato Art Glass Ashtray by Barovier & Toso 1950s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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
Yellow Murano "LENTI" Glass Vase Element by Ercole Barovier and Toso Italy 1960s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kirchlengern, DE
Article: Murano glass vase element "LENTI" by Barovier and Toso Origin: Murano, Italy Decade: 1960s This original vintage glass vase element was designed by ERCOLE BAROVIER...
Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier Serving Tray Mirror-Engraved Murano Glass, Italy 1950s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing rectangular mirror-engraved Murano glass serving tray. This wonderful piece was produced in Italy during 1950s by the master Murano glass-maker of Ercole Barov...
Metal
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
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
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
Etched Murano Glass Mirrored Tray by Ercole Barovier, Italy, 1960s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Created by Ercole Barovier, this piece is a beautiful Italian serving or vanity table tray edged in Murano glass rope that is embedded with clear gold flakes. Done in the style of Luigi Brusotti and Gio Ponti, the mirror is etched with Venetian romantic figures...
Mirror, Murano Glass, Wood
Ercole Barovier Toso Murano Iridescent Italian Art Deco Glass Conch Shell Bowl
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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
Beautiful large Etched Murano Glass Mirrored Tray by Barovier, Italy, 1980s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Created by Ercole Barovier, this piece is a beautiful Italian serving or vanity table tray edged in Murano glass rope that is embedded with blue. Done ...
Mirror, Wood, Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier Murano Glass Ashtray Italy 50s Mid-Century Barovier & Toso
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Palermo, IT
ERCOLE BAROVIER . Barovier & Toso production, Italian design from the 50s. Star-shaped ashtray in clear, bubbling glass, semi-spherical body with reliefs, flat circular mouth. Also e...
Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier Toso Murano Gold Flecks Bullicante Art Glass Ribbed Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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
$3,250Sale Price|35% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Intarsio Mosaic Triangle Tessere Italian Art Glass Vase
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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
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
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
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
1930s Ercole Barovier Art Deco Italian Murano Glass Smoking Set
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, IT
Ashtray _ height 7 / diameter 15 cm Tabacco bowl _ height 7 / diameter 8.5 cm Matches bowl_ height 5.5 / diameter 6 cm.
Murano Glass
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Toso Italian Vintage Art Glass Rostrato Murano Vase / Bowl, circa 1938
By Ercole Barovier, Ferro Toso Barovier
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Barovier Toso Italian vintage art glass Rostrato Murano vase / bowl, circa 1938 An exquisite mid-20th century centrepiece by Barovier & Toso in b...
Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier Murano Glass Vase for Ferro Toso Barovier Italy 1930s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Ercole Barovier Murano Glass Vase for Ferro Toso Barovier Italy 1930s
Murano Glass
Pair Ercole Barovier for Barovier and Toso Cordonato D Oro Murano double candles
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Ann Arbor, MI
Ercole Barovier for Barovier and Toso Cordonato D’Oro gold leaf pair of double candles. Very large and impressive pieces in a great technique. The nearly fifty year tenure of E...
Blown Glass
Barovier Toso Murano Barbarico Freeform Ashtray or Bowl Blue Silver 1950s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Rare and unusual Murano art glass bowl or ashtray was made with a layer of burst silver foil on blue and clear cased glass and amber glass base. Proper attribution was made after ...
Art Glass, Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Large Mugoni Art Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Can be found in the book Art of the Barovier: Glassmakers in Murano 1866-1972, Barovier, pg. 137 Ercole Barovier 1889–1974 The nearly fifty year tenure of Ercole Barovier as artis...
Art Glass
Large Barovier Coronado d'Oro Glass Centerpiece Bowl
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Large Barovier & Toso Murano handblown centerpiece bowl in the Coronado d'ore technique. Expertly crafted of thick clear glass with gold inclusions.
Glass
Ercole Barovier Medusa Glass Vase for Ferro Barovier Tosso, 1938
By Ercole Barovier
Located in CABA, AR
Ercole Barovier “Medusa” Vase – 1938 Iridescent Murano Glass with Gold Inclusions This exceptional vase from the celebrated Medusa series, designed in...
Art Glass
Vintage Barovier & Toso 'Sidone' Table Lamp, Murano circa 1960s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Barovier & Toso 'Sidone' Table Lamp, Murano circa 1960s A rare table lamp of the Sidone series designed by Ercole Barovier in 1957 and manufactured by Barovier & Toso, Muran...
Art Glass, Murano Glass, Murrine
Large Barovier Murano Gold Seashell Centerpiece Bowl
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Large Murano handblown cased clear glass with gold flecks shell shaped centerpiece bowl.
Glass
Ercole Barovier “Bird” Murano Glass Gold 1950 Italy
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Milano, IT
Ercole Barovier “Bird”.
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
Ercole Barovier Murano Glass and Gold Centerpiece for Artistica Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very nice and elegant early Murano glass bowl, by Ercole Barovier.
Art Glass
Barovier Toso Murano Jade Green Gold Fleck Italian Art Glass Ribbed Compote Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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
Large ribbed Murano glass shell, Barovier&Toso, Italy
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Rare shell-shaped sculpture, large in size and characterized by large ribs, made of heavy iridescent Murano glass. The body, shaped like a fan with very pronounced lobes, is a design...
Murano Glass
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
Barovier Toso Murano Purple Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Chunky Ashtray Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown dark purple, controlled bubbles and gold flecks Italian art glass triangle shape bowl. The piece is documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for th...
Gold Leaf
Ercole Barovier Mirror-Engraved Murano Glass Italian Serving Tray, 1950s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Amazing Midcentury mirror-engraved Murano glass serving tray. This wonderful piece was produced in Italy during 1950s by the master Murano glass-maker of Ercole Barovier. This wo...
Metal
Ercole Barovier Toso Murano Blue Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Conch Shell Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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
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
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
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
1930s by Ercole Barovier Gold Glass Murano Animal Elephant
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, IT
Elephant by Ercole Barovier, 1930s. Gold Murano glass Perfect condition.
Murano Glass
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
Murano Barovier Toso Gray Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Squared Ashtray Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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
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
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
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, "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...
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
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
$4,050Sale Price|25% Off
Ercole Barovier Toso Murano 1954 Purple Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Vase
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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 Red Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Ribbed Pitcher Vase
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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
Barovier Toso Murano Jade Green Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Spike Bowl Ashtray
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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
Ercole Barovier Rostrato Murano Art Glass Basket Centerpiece Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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
$5,485Sale Price|30% Off
Rare Crepuscolo Vase Ercole Barovier 1930 Murano Art Glass
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Rare Crepuscolo vase Ercole Barovier 1930 Murano art glass. Among the most interesting techniques developed by Ercole Barovier in the 1930s there is "tw...
Murano Glass
$600Sale Price|20% Off
Mirrored Engraved Glass Serving Tray by Ercole Barovier for Murano Glass
By Ercole Barovier, Murano 5
Located in San Diego, CA
Mirrored engraved glass serving tray by Ercole Barovier for Murano Glass Glassworks of Venice, circa 1940s. This wonderful piece made in Italy and is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks (there is some pitting on the handles). The mirror has romantic Venetian characters and a picturesque countryside landscape with fountain. The rectangular top is a mirror with rounded corners and has been skilfully ground with stone wheels from underneath; the upper edge of the mirror is decorated with a glass cord...
Glass, Mirror, Wood
$800Sale Price|33% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Red Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Flower Star Flared Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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
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
Ercole Barovier Corniola Glass Vase for Barovier & Toso, Italy 1952
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Milan, IT
Ercole Barovier Corniola Murano Glass vase for Barovier & Toso, Italy 1952 Original Label.
Murano Glass
Barovier Toso Murano Light Green Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Bowl Ashtray
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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
Murano glass shell with large ribs, Barovier&Toso, Italy
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Shell-shaped sculpture, characterized by large ribs, made of heavy iridescent Murano glass. The body, shaped like a fan with very pronounced lobes, design by Ercole Barovier for Baro...
Murano Glass
Barovier Murano Gold Flecks Purple Leafs Italian Art Glass Spoon Rest Dishes
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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