Ercole Barovier "Porpora" Vase for Barovier & Toso, circa 1954
About the Item
- Creator:Ercole Barovier (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 9.45 in (24 cm)Diameter: 8.86 in (22.5 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1954
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Brussels, BE
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2265321688962
Ercole Barovier
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 (the manufactory was called Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.). 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. He is credited with having invented colorazione a caldo senza fusione, a method of introducing metals and oxides into glassworks. Barovier’s 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). He 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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Brussels, Belgium
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- Midcentury Glass Vase by Renato Toso for Fratteli Toso, Italy, 1970sBy Renato TosoLocated in Brussels, BEMidcentury Glass Vase by Renato Toso for Fratteli Toso, Italy, 1970s.Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Vases
MaterialsGlass
- "Scozzese" Vase 4595 by Fulvio Bianconi for Venini, 1954-1957By Fulvio BianconiLocated in Brussels, BE"Scozzese" vase 4595 by Fulvio Bianconi for Venini, 1954-1957.Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
MaterialsMurano Glass
- Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 4 Arms Light, Italy, 1930sBy Ercole BarovierLocated in Brussels, BEMurano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 4 Arms Light, Italy, 1930sCategory
Vintage 1930s Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMurano Glass
- Sommerso Vase by Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri D'Arte, circa 1960sBy Livio SegusoLocated in Brussels, BESommerso vase by Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri D'Arte, circa 1960s.Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Vases
MaterialsMurano Glass
- Vase Gianmaria Potenza for la Murina, 1960sBy Gianmaria Potenza, La MurinaLocated in Brussels, BEVase Gianmaria Potenza for la Murina, 1960s.Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
MaterialsGlass
- Murano Glass "Membrane" Vase by Toni Zuccheri for VeArtBy VeArt, Toni ZuccheriLocated in Brussels, BEMurano glass "Membrane" vase by Toni Zuccheri for VeArt.Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
MaterialsGlass
- "Rostrato" Vase by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, circa 1930sBy Ercole BarovierLocated in Brussel, BECreated by Ercole Barovier in 1938, "Rostrato" is a vase in thick crystal, featuring pyramid shaped points.Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Post-Modern Vases
MaterialsBlown Glass
- Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso Iridescent Vase, 1930sBy Ercole BarovierLocated in Milano, ITElegant vase by Ercole Barovier of the 1930s. The vase is made with iridescent technique, in fact the whole object is made of iridescent crystal in the shape of a shell. The vase is ...Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Art Deco Vases
MaterialsCrystal
- Ercole Barovier, "Porpora Cup", 1950By Ercole BarovierLocated in Paris, FRErcole Barovier "Porpora Cup", c. 1950 Execution: Cased glass, clear and red Measure: H : 11 cm (4.33") Overall very good condition A piece both highly collectible and decorative at the same time. Ercole Barovier was born in 1889 into a well-known family of glassmakers. At the age of 26, he became artistic director of his father's factory, "Vetreria Artistica Barovier...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Modern Vases
MaterialsGlass
- Graffito Vase, Ercole Barovier, Barovier e TosoBy Barovier&Toso, Ercole BarovierLocated in Brussels, BELarge vase designed by Ercole Barovier in 1975 and manufactured by Barovier and Toso. The vase is made of clear gold dusted aventurine glass a...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
MaterialsBlown Glass
- "Crepuscolo" Vase by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & TosoBy Ercole BarovierLocated in Brussel, BEA one off piece - vase of the "Crepuscolo" series by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, ca. 1935 - 1936. Crepuscolo is a technique in which iron wool is immersed into glass and it ...Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Post-Modern Vases
MaterialsArt Glass
- Ercole Barovier for Ferro Toso Barovier, murano glass vase "avventurina"By Ferro Toso Barovier, Ercole BarovierLocated in Aachen, DEA nice "avventurine" Murano glass vase with applied handles made in the 1930ties by Ferro Toso Barovier, designed by Ercole Barovier. The vase was decorated with copper inclusions an...Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
MaterialsGlass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass