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.
Pair of Murano Crystal Sconces with Suspended Gold Leaf Particles by E. Barovier
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A rare and refined pair of Murano wall sconces by Barovier & Toso, designed by Ercole Barovier, Italy, 1940s. Each sconce is composed of a sculptural, fluted cup in Murano cryst...
Gold Leaf, Brass
Large Pair of Murano Glass and Brass Flower Sconces, by Barovier, Italy 1950s
By Barovier, Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous large pair of bellflower-shaped sconces in Murano mouth-blown crystal glass and solid brass. These wonderful lights were produced in Italy by Barovier during the 1940s. In...
Brass
Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso Pair of Murano Glass Wall Sconces, 1940s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A rare and poetic pair of wall sconces designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso in the early 1940s. The sculptural glass elements are executed in Murano “vetro costolato a ri...
Brass
Murano chandelier by Ercole Barovier Barovier & Toso, Italy 1930s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Murano chandelier by Ercole Barovier Barovier & Toso made in Italy in the 1930s. Founded in 1295 in Murano, Italy, Barovier & Toso stands as one of the oldest family businesses glo...
Brass
Barovier "Bell" Murano Glass and Brass Table Lamp, Italy, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning bell-shaped table lamp in Murano blown glass and solid brass. This romantic table lamp was crafted in the 1940s in Italy by Murano master glassmaker Ercole Barovier. In ama...
Brass
Chandelier by Barovier & Toso, Murano, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
Elegant handblown Murano chandelier by Barovier & Toso, circa 1940. From Private collection Von Plant Baron.
Brass
A Luxurious MURANO Glass TABLE LAMP by ERCOLE BAROVIER, VENINI, Italy, 1950-1960
By Ercole Barovier
Located in PARIS, FR
A spectacular, large and heavy table lamp, Art Déco, neoclassical, Modernist, Shabby-Chic, Neo-Baroque, with a massive circular base in Murano glass, open like a corolla, translucent, embed with small air bubbles, 2 wood circles with a patinated bronze veneer surrounding a generous translucent corps capturing light, ornaments plant-inspired made with encrusted golden leaf, impressive and authentic model...
Bronze, Gold Leaf
Pair of Spiral-Glass Wall Sconces by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, 1940s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A remarkably elegant Art Decò pair of 1940s wall sconces by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, showcasing the refined mastery of Venetian glass in its most poetic form. These piece...
Brass
Pair of Murano Glass Bird Wall Sconces by Ercole Barovier .Italy 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
1932 Pair Ercole Barovier two arm wall sconces Eackh arm ends in a hand crafted glass bird with a brass ring
Brass
Glass chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1920s/'30s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Milano, IT
TAG: murano chandelier, Ercole Barovier, 1920s, 1930s, art deco, blown glass, Italian design, vintage lighting, antique murano glass chandelier, Barovier & Toso, murano chandelier, E...
Iron
Pair of Murano Glass and Brass Bell Table Lamps by Barovier, Italy, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous bell shaped table lamps in Murano glass and solid brass. This romantic table lamps were made in the '40s in Italy by the Murano glass master Ercole Barovier. This incredib...
Brass
$3,303Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
Amazing and elegant hand blown Murano chandelier by Ercole Barovier, circa 1940. From Private collection Von Plant Baron.
Brass
Pair of Barovier "Bell" Murano Glass and Brass Table Lamps, Italy, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous and unique pair of table lamps in Murano mouth-blown crystal glass and solid brass. These romantic table lamps were designed and produced by Barovier in Murano, Italy during...
Brass
$3,209Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
Wonderful and rare Art Deco chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 1940s. Piece of exquisite quality. From Private collection by Giancarlo Planta.
Brass
Ercole Barovier Murano glass chandelier. Italy 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Catania, CT
Murano glass suspension lamp by Ercole Barovier and produced in Italy durong the 1940s. A refined example of mid-century Murano craftsmanship, this chandelier features a sculptural b...
Murano Glass
Bellflower Table Lamp in Murano Glass and Brass by Ercole Barovier, Italy 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Gorgeous table lamp made in a combination Murano glass and brass. This incredibly elegant lamp was designed by Ercole Barovier and made in Italy during the early '40s. The shade o...
Brass
Mid-Century pair of Ercole Barovier Murano glass and brass table lamps. 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Catania, CT
Set of two small table lamps designed by Ercole Barovier during the 40s. Good vintage condition with normal trace of age and use but a crack on a brass socket as shown in pictures. G...
Brass
A rare brass mounted 8 arms horizontal chandelier by Ercole Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in London, GB
A very rare horizontal brass mounted 8 arm Murano glass chandelier designed & produced by the glass master Ercole Barovier in the early 1930s . All glass is intact with natural pati...
Brass
Murano chandelier by Ercole Barovier Barovier & Toso, Italy 1930s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
Very rare Murano chandelier by Ercole Barovier Barovier & Toso made in Italy in the 1930s. Founded in 1295 in Murano, Italy, Barovier & Toso stands as one of the oldest family busine...
Murano Glass
Delicious Murano Glass Pendant or Lantern by Ercole Barovier, 1930
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Piece of great elegance designed by Ercole Barovier. Two fine rostrato handblown bowl surrounded by two amazing leaves. All glass parts are in excelle...
Glass
Rare pair of large wall lamps by Ercole Barovier & Toso, Italy, 1940s
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C., Ercole Barovier
Located in Argelato, BO
This rare pair of wall lamps represents a masterpiece of 20th-century Venetian craftsmanship, designed by renowned designer Ercole Barovier and crafted by the historic Barovier & Tos...
Brass
Barovier & Toso Murano Clear Glass Leaf Chandelier, Italy 1950's
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
A entire Murano blown clear glass chandelier by Barovier & Toso, Italy, 1950s. With four downwards four light-arms with glass tulips and six upwards glass leaves. This beautiful piec...
Murano Glass
Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Italy, 1930s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Art Deco Murano glass pendant by Ercole Barovier, Italy 1930-1939. Very elegant design centred by a Murano crystal glass tulip, brass mou...
Crystal, Brass
Pair of Sculptural “Bullicante” Glass Wall Sconces by Barovier & Toso, 1940s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An exceptional and rare pair of Murano wall sconces designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, circa 1940. Each sconce is defined by an extraordinary sculptural shade in t...
Brass
Two Murano glass and brass table lamps by Ercole Barovier Italy 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Palermo, IT
Gorgeous pair of curved brass bell-shaped table lamps made of Murano glass, mouth-blown crystal, and brass. These incredibly elegant lamps were designed by Ercole Barovier and made i...
Brass
$12,271Sale Price|20% Off
Magnificent Art Deco Mounted Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 1940
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Exceptional eight-shade Murano glass chandelier with gold intrusion . Elegant shaped fine quality brass mount, by Ercole Barovier. Unique Art Deco beauty in excellent vintage condi...
Blown Glass
Ercole Barovier 1940s Chandelier from 'Lenti' Series
By Ercole Barovier
Located in New York, NY
Ercole Barovier elegant and rare clear crystal glass chandelier from Lenti series with semi-spherical applications, glass stem and matching canopy. This crystal glass chandelier with...
Glass
Rare Murano Sculptural “Bullicante” Glass Wall Sconce by Barovier & Toso, 1940s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An exceptional and rare Murano wall sconce designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, circa 1940. The piece is defined by an extraordinary sculptural shade in thick, hand-blow...
Brass
Ercole Barovier Cordonato Oro Murano Glass Floor Lamp, Italy 1940s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Milan, IT
Ercole Barovier Cordonato Oro Murano Glass Floor Lamp, Italy 1940s The lamp carries two side bulbs under the shade and a central bulb on top to ill...
Brass
Barovier Pair of Bell Table Lamps in Murano Glass and Brass, Italy 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique pair of bellflower Murano table lamps in mouth-blown crystal glass and brass. These incredibly elegant lamps were designed by Ercole Barovier and made in Italy d...
Brass
$4,863Sale Price|30% Off
Art Deco Ercole Barovier Venini Murano Glass Chandelier 1940s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Palermo, IT
This exquisite Murano glass Art Deco chandelier, to celebrated designer Ercole Barovier, embodies the Venetian elegance and craftsmanship of the 1930s or 1940s. Its central metal fra...
Brass
$8,307Sale Price|33% Off
Imposing Rare Barovier Fountain Chandelier, White Puligoso, 1930s, Murano Deco
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Sophisticated chandelier from Ercole Barovier. A rare beautiful chandelier, the bottom bowl is in horizontal ribbed hand opened clear etched glass crowned by a set of 12 large and h...
Blown Glass, Milk Glass, Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier, Art Deco Murano Glass Pendant, Italy 1930s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Catania, CT
Art Deco Murano glass pendant produced in Italy during the 30s by Ercole Barovier. It is made from Murano glass and brass details with original patina. The central piece is made from...
Brass
Adjustable Bell Table Lamp in Murano Glass and Brass by Barovier, Italy 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Stunning adjustable table lamp in mouth-blown Murano glass and brass. This incredibly stylish and unique lamp in the shape of a bell flower was designed by Ercole Barovier and produc...
Brass
$2,700Sale Price / set|25% Off
Rare Pair Barovier and Toso Murano Pair Lamps in Pink and Gold Ercole Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Ann Arbor, MI
Amazing pair of Murano Lamps designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier and Toso. Very intricate detail. Ercole Barovier is a unique figure in the history of 20th century Murano gl...
Blown Glass
Ercole Barovier Art Dèco Italian Murano Glass and Brass Chandelier, 1935s
By Ercole Barovier, Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Six-arm chandelier in blown glass with cups produced with the Reticello technique. Designed by Ercole Barovier and produced by Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C in the late 1930s in It...
Brass
Ercole Barovier Art Deco Murano Glass Italian Pendant Chandelier "Pulegoso", 30s
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C., Ercole Barovier
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Murano glass chandelier blown with the Pulegoso technique, glass with air bubbles inside. Designed by Ercole Barovier and produced by Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C in the late 1930...
Brass
Art Deco brass chandelier with Murano glass by Ercole Barovier Venini 1940s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Palermo, IT
This 5-light chandelier by Ercole Barovier, made in the 1940s from Murano glass, is an exquisite example of the elegance and craftsmanship of Venetian design of the period. The struc...
Brass
$3,209Sale Price|20% Off
Charming Italian Midcentury Pink Peach Color Murano Fixture by Ercole Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
With a precious hand blown 'costolature' cup, rare pink peach color. Three E27 light bulbs.
Blown Glass
$3,209Sale Price|20% Off
Charming Italian Midcentury Murano Fixture by Ercole Baroviera
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
With a precious handblown 'costolature' cup, rare pink peach color. Three E27 light bulbs.
Blown Glass
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano Glass, Italy
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian chandelier made of hand blown smoked Murano glass, designed by Ercole Barovier and produced by Barovier & Toso in good condition. The detaile...
Metal
Magnificent Art Deco Mounted Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 1940
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Exceptional eight-shade Murano glass chandelier with gold intrusion . Elegant shaped fine quality brass mount, by Ercole Barovier. Unique Art Deco beauty in excellent vintage condi...
Blown Glass
$6,607Sale Price|30% Off
Floor Lamp Ercole Barovier 1940s Murano Art Glass Model "Lenti" Midcentury
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Big floor lamp Ercole Barovier, 1940s Murano art glass model "Lenti", brass base diameter cm.37, central staple with large Murano glass glasses lens created by Ercole Barovier diamet...
Brass
Art Deco Italian Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
Art Deco Italian chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 1940. It is a very rare piece. The engraving on glass of two cornucopias is remarkable.
Brass
Pair of wall lamps by Ercole Barovier in Rugiadoso Murano glass, Italy 1950s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Catania, CT
Pair of wall lamps designed by Ercole Barovier, crafted in Rugiadoso Murano glass, Italy, 1950s. These exquisite vintage lamps feature leaf-shaped glass shades with a textured patter...
Brass
Rostrato Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Italy, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Brussels, BE
Rostrato Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Italy, 1940s
Glass
Murano Table Lamps by Ercole Barovier, Giltwood & Glass, Italy, 1950s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Pair of smaller scale hand blown cream and gold inclusions Murano table lamps by Ercole Barovier Toso. Mounted on giltwood bases. Newly wired with new brass 3 way sockets and cord. G...
Brass
Rare Art Deco Ercole Barovier chandelier in Pulegoso Murano glass. Italy 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Catania, CT
A stunning and rare Art Deco chandelier designed by Ercole Barovier, crafted in Italy during the 1940s. This exceptional piece is made of Pulegoso Murano glass, a distinctive techniq...
Murano Glass
Italian chandelier by Ercole Barovier from the 30's in Murano glass
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Italian suspension lamp from the '40s by Italian designer Ercole Barovier for the Venetian manufacturer Barovier & Toso. Center bar, canopy and diffuser in thick transparent Mura...
Murano Glass
Pair of Ercole Barovier Rostrato Sconces for Barovier & Toso, Italy 1940s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in BARCELONA, ES
The Ercole Barovier Rostrato Sconces from the 1940s, crafted by Barovier & Toso, are a masterclass in Venetian glass artistry. If you’re a collector, design aficionado, or simply...
Brass
20th Century Italian Barovier & Toso Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A round vintage Mid-Century modern Italian raindrop chandelier, pendant made of hand blown smoked Murano glass, designed by Ercole Barovier and pr...
Metal, Chrome
Wonderful Pair Murano Ercole Barovier Three-Arm Gold Blown Art Glass Sconces
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Large Pair Of Murano Ercole Barovier Three-Arm Gold Flake Blown Art Glass Wall Sconces Identical Sconces Listed On Line For $20,000
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Art Deco Brass Mounted Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 1940
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Exceptional six-shade Murano glass chandelier with elegant shaped brass mount, by Ercole Barovier. Excellent vintage condition, the glasses are in perfect condition. Six E 27 light...
Blown Glass
Art Deco Brass Mounted Murano Glass Chandelier attr. Ercole Barovier, 1940
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Exceptional six-shade Murano glass chandelier with elegant shaped brass mount, by Ercole Barovier. Excellent vintage condition, the glasses are in perfect condition. Six E 27 light b...
Blown Glass
Pair of Art Deco Murano Glass and Brass Pendants or Lanterns by Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
A beautiful pair of Italian Art Deco chandeliers by Ercole Barovier, made of clear Murano glass and brass. Each with two E 27 light bulbs. We can rewire for your country standards....
Blown Glass
Pair of Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso “Rostrato” Glass Wall Sconces, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A rare and superb pair of 1940s wall sconces designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, executed in richly textured hand-blown Murano glass and mounted on elegant patinated bra...
Brass
$3,303Sale Price|20% Off
Spectacular Murano "Stalactite" Chandelier Attributed to Barovier - Italy 1940.
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Brussels, BE
Rare and spectacular Murano " Stalactite" six light chandelier. Attributed to Barovier- Murano. Circa 1940.
Murano Glass
Rare Mid Century Modern Chandelier or Pendant Lamp 'Putti' by Barovier & Toso
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Munich, DE
Gorgeous, highly decorative Mid-Century Modern 'Putti' pendant lamp or chandelier. Designed & manufactured by Barovier & Toso, Italy, 1950s. Executed in Murano Glass and brass, the ...
Brass
Barovier & Toso Rare Pairs of Murano Glass Iridescent Clamshell Sconces 1940s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in New York, NY
Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso rare pairs of large clamshell sconces in heavy transparent iridescent Murano glass featuring deep ribbing and pronounced lobes, Italy, circa 1940....
Nickel
Ercole Barovier Efeso Green Table Lamp
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Munich, DE
Efeso bottle shape table lamp executed by Barovier & Toso, Italy 1964. Clear glass, dark green blue flaky powder inclusions with bubbles, permeated with oxide inclusions, clear over...
Brass