Barovier Toso 21st Century Multicolor Filigrana Murano Glass Photo Frame

Partnerships come and go within the community of glass-making artisans on the Venetian island of Murano, where business relationships seem as complex as the shifting alliances in the notoriously acrimonious Italian parliament. Formed in 1942 by members of families with centuries of experience in the craft, Barovier&Toso has proven to be one of the most enduring and prosperous Italian glass manufactories of recent decades. Under the nearly 50-year artistic directorship of cofounder Ercole Barovier (1889–1974), the company created buoyant traditional pieces such as chandeliers, sconces and other lighting fixtures, and it pioneered an array of innovative modernist glass designs with bold colors, patterns and surfaces.

The Barovier dynasty began in 1295, when Jacobello Barovier, mentioned in historical documents as a master glassblower, began pinching, cutting, blowing and twisting a molten mixture of sand and minerals into incandescent works of art. It remained entirely family-owned until the mid-20th century, when it merged with another glassworks to become Barovier&Toso.

To appeal to gentler, more conservative tastes, Barovier&Toso produced a range of lilting, sinuous lighting pieces that are often described as embodying “Liberty Style” — the Italian term for Art Nouveau, taken from the name of famed London department store Liberty & Co., which promoted 19th-century organic textile designs and Arts and Crafts-style furniture in the manner of William Morris. The hallmarks of the style in Barovier&Toso works are elements of glass in the shape of thick leaves, fronds and flower petals, deployed along with other naturalistic ornament in sconces, pendants and chandeliers.

Ercole Barovier began his personal aesthetic transition toward modernism in the 1930s with his Primavera series of vases and animal sculptures — idiosyncratic milky-white and clear glass filled with tiny bubbles and hairline interior fissures that he produced for Artisti Barovier, a firm headed by his father and uncle. Later, with Barovier&Toso, he would explore such novel styles as the mosaic-like Pezzato glass; fluid Spiral patterns; the pebbly textured Barbarico line and the complex, layered and highly colored abstractions of the Oriente series of vases and bowls.

Traditional or modern, Barovier&Toso — still under family control — has produced one of the finest and most diverse catalogues of Murano glass in the last 100 years.

Find antique Barovier&Toso chandeliers, serveware, decorative objects and more on 1stDibs.

Cosulich Interiors & Antiques offers a curated collection of fine, hand-crafted Italian lighting, furniture, and decor, seamlessly blending timeless elegance with contemporary design. Founded in 1982 in Arezzo, Italy, Cosulich Interiors & Antiques brings over 40 years of expertise in transforming visionary designs into reality. As a small, family-run business, Franco and Fabienne are dedicated to inspiring designers and individuals alike to create their perfect spaces. Through our bespoke contemporary customizable collection, we add a truly personal touch to every client’s vision. From meticulously restored antiques to exclusive modern commissions, Cosulich Interiors takes pride in delivering an unparalleled standard of quality and artistry. In realizing dreams, we proudly support regional craftsmen and artisans from the island of Murano and across Italy. Passed down through generations, the masterful craftsmanship in each of our pieces is a testament to Italy’s rich heritage and enduring tradition of excellence. Located in The New York Design Center, Suite 509, our gallery bridges the modern world and fine Italian culture. Every piece in our showroom is thoughtfully curated to enhance spaces with character, history, and timeless style. Let Cosulich Interiors & Antiques be your destination for timeless treasures and bespoke elegance.