Ercole Barovier, Rare "Graffito" Murano Glass Chandelier, Italy, 1960s
About the Item
- Creator:Ercole Barovier (Designer)
- Dimensions:Height: 16.93 in (43 cm)Diameter: 18.51 in (47 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1960
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Very rare "Graffito" Murano glass chandelier produced in Italy during the 60s and designed by Ercole Barovier. Bibl.: A. Dorigato "Ercole Barovier, vetraio muranese 1889-1974", Marsilio editore 1989, pag. 141.
- Seller Location:Catania, IT
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU7225231739092
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: Catania, Italy
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Art Deco, Bullicante Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Italy, 1940sBy Ercole BarovierLocated in Catania, CTThree arms chandelier in Bullicante glass with large clear light diffusers. Designed by Ercole Barovier and produced in Murano during the 40s. Great original vintage condition with n...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMurano Glass
- Ercole Barovier, Art Deco Murano Glass Pendant, Italy 1930sBy Ercole BarovierLocated in Catania, CTArt 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...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsBrass
- Pair of Mid-Century Murano Bubble Glass chandeliers. Italy 1960sLocated in Catania, CTEach chandelier produced in Italy during the 60s is made up of 21 Murano glasses and it is in good vintage condition with trace of age and slight oxidation on the metal structure. Gl...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMurano Glass
- Set of two Mid-Century Murano glass element chandeliers. Italy 1960sLocated in Catania, CTGood vintage condition with normal trace of age and use. Glasses with no chips or cracks. Each chandelier is made up of 17 Murano glasses. Produced in Italy during the 60s. Full work...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMurano Glass
- Sciolari, iconic glass sphere and chrome chandelier. Italy 1960sBy Sciolari LightingLocated in Catania, CTGood vintage condition with trace of age and use. Slight oxidation on the metal. No cracks or chips on the glasses. Produced in Italy during the late 60s by Sciolari. Full working wi...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsChrome
- Gino Paroldo, Modernist Brass and Smoked Glass Chandelier, Italy, 1960sBy Gino ParoldoLocated in Catania, CTProduced in Italy during the 60s, this round chandelier model 4027 with eight arms was designed by Gino Paroldo for Dino Dei as shown in the original advertisement...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsBrass
- Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole BarovierBy Ercole BarovierLocated in Tarrytown, NYVintage handblown clear glass [rostrato] oblong-shaped chandelier comprised of six lights. Ornate silver fittings and steel structure. Measures: Stem is 31 in H and it can be shor...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsArt Glass
- Ercole Barovier Murano ChandelierBy Ercole BarovierLocated in Saint-Ouen, IDFBeautiful example of modern shaped Murano glass chandelier. This chandelier is made of a central stem with two floors of light, covered with curved leafs, making the chandelier look...Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMurano Glass
- Italian pink Murano glass Chandelier attributed to Ercole BarovierBy Ercole BarovierLocated in Piacenza, ItalyItalian Ercole Barovier chandelier in rare Murano handblown pink glass with brass details. This item presents two textured cups and two torchon glass rods details, all in the tone o...Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsGlass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
- 20th Century Italian Barovier & Toso Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole BarovierBy Barovier&Toso, Ercole BarovierLocated in West Palm Beach, FLA round vintage Mid-Century modern Italian raindrop chandelier, pendant made of hand blown smoked Murano glass, designed by Ercole Barovier and pr...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsMetal, Chrome
- Italian Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940By Ercole BarovierLocated in Budapest, HUChandelier with sober and elegant shapes. An authentic jewel out of the Murano furnaces.Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsBrass
- Ercole Barovier Midcentury "Rostrato" Murano Glass Italian Chandelier, 1940sBy Ercole BarovierLocated in Budapest, HUA very elegant Italian chandelier by Ercole Barovier hand blown Murano glass construction using the Rostrato technique presented at The Biennale di Venezia in 1938.Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Chandeliers and Pendants
MaterialsBrass