Ercole Barovier Toso Signed Opaque Translucent Vase
View Similar Items
Ercole Barovier Toso Signed Opaque Translucent Vase
About the Item
- Creator:Ercole Barovier (Artist)
- Dimensions:Height: 10.75 in (27.31 cm)Width: 7 in (17.78 cm)Depth: 5 in (12.7 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960s
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Los Angeles, CA
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU90831273792
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.
- Multi Color Opaque Glass Murano Perfume BottleBy Vintage Murano GalleryLocated in Los Angeles, CAA wonderful multi color Murano Glass perfume bottle - a stunning departure from the norm, with opaque glass and vibrant solid colors. A compliment to any dressing table, vanity or ba...Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bottles
MaterialsArt Glass, Murano Glass
- Murano Battuto Glass VaseBy Vintage Murano GalleryLocated in Los Angeles, CAA wonderful long neck vase with several colors melting into each other. A sexy lip at the top with a unique 'stamped' style band or "collar" mid neck with a bulb base - the Murano style vase...Category
20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
MaterialsArt Glass, Blown Glass
- Brass Bird Urn VaseBy Joseph Horne CompanyLocated in Los Angeles, CABrass Bird Urn vase - lovely decorative piece or great for small arrangements or plantings on the desk or even as a catch all for Jewelry. Made for the J...Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières
MaterialsBrass
- Vannes France Crystal VaseBy Art VannesLocated in Los Angeles, CAA stunning crystal vase - 'Made in France', and a compliment any room on a center table, dining table or mantle... The look of water splashing in motion is represented here in great ...Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Vases
MaterialsCrystal
$1,280 Sale Price20% Off - Multi Faceted Acrylic Bud VaseLocated in Los Angeles, CAAcrylic bud vase - the way the light catches this piece you would swear it is crystal - very structurally pleasing and simple, yet stunning.Category
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Vases
MaterialsAcrylic
- Monumental Brass Vase with DetailLocated in Los Angeles, CAMonumental brass vase with detail - This piece is inscribed on one side in very small text - and very difficult to read with patina. Stunning brass patina and detailing.Category
20th Century Mission Vases
MaterialsBrass
$425 Sale Price37% Off
- Graffito Vase, Ercole Barovier, Barovier e TosoBy Ercole Barovier, Barovier&TosoLocated 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
- 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
- "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, Barovier & Toso Efeso Vase ca. 1960sBy Barovier&Toso, Ercole BarovierLocated in Berghuelen, DEErcole Barovier - Barovier & Toso Efeso vase ca. 1960s A great blue vase from the 'efeso' series designed by Ercole Barovier in 1964 for Barovier & Toso, M...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
MaterialsArt Glass, Murano Glass
- Ercole Barovier "Porpora" Vase for Barovier & Toso, circa 1954By Ercole BarovierLocated in Brussels, BEErcole Barovier "Porpora" vase for Barovier & Toso, circa 1954.Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
MaterialsGlass
- Monumental Ercole Barovier, Barovier & Toso Efeso Blue Vase, 1964By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&TosoLocated in Berghuelen, DEA 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...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Planters, Cachepots and Jard...
MaterialsArt Glass, Murano Glass