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.
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
Italian Art Deco Murano Wall Mirror
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Murano Art Deco wall mirror in original condition .
Murano Glass
Art Deco twisted glass chandelier, Barovier & Toso, Murano, Italy, circa 1940
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Paris, FR
Art Deco chandelier by Barovier & Toso, based on a design by Ercole Barovier. Chrome-plated brass structure and accessories, the central suspension arm and the body of the chandelier...
Brass, Chrome
Ercole Barovier Toso Mid Century Murano Italian Art Glass Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Franklin Park, IL
Ercole Barovier Toso Mid Century Murano Italian Art Glass Vase This vase measures: 6.5 wide x 6.5 deep x 4.75 inches high Excellent Vintage Condition. We take our photos in a cont...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
1930s Ercole Barovier Art Deco Italian Murano Glass Smoking Set
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, IT
Ashtray _ height 7 / diameter 15 cm Tabacco bowl _ height 7 / diameter 8.5 cm Matches bowl_ height 5.5 / diameter 6 cm.
Murano Glass
Beautiful Etched Couple Murano Glass Mirror, Italy 1920s Gold Flake Floral Parts
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Elegant Murano glass mirror handcrafted in Venice, Italy, dating to the 1920s or earlier. This ornate scalloped cartouche-form example is richly adorned with applied floral and scrol...
Mirror, Murano Glass, Wood
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
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
$3,103Sale Price|30% Off
Ercole Barovier Art Deco Murano Glass Italian Pendant Chandelier "Pulegoso", 30s
By Ercole Barovier, Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
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
Elegant Art Deco Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier 1940'
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Exceptional eight-shade Murano glass chandelier with elegant shaped fine quality brass mount, by Ercole Barovier. Unique Art Deco beauty in excellent vintage condition. Eight E 2...
Blown Glass
Barovier Toso Murano Purple Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Ribbed Seashell Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown amethyst purple and gold flecks Italian art glass seashell shaped bowl or ashtray. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for Barovier e Toso. Cr...
Gold Leaf
Ercole Barovier Exceptional Pulegoso Glass Vase with Applied Discs, 1930s
By Barovier, Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An extraordinarily rare example of Ercole Barovier’s early 1930s experimentation with the pulegoso technique, this sculptural vase represents one of the most sought-after chapters in...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Barovier Toso Murano Copper Aventurine Italian Art Glass Centerpiece Fruit Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful antique Murano hand blown copper aventurine flecks with thin purple swirl Italian art glass footed centerpiece bowl. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier for Barovier e T...
Gold Leaf
$12,132Sale 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 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
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Purple Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Fan Top Flower Vase
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown purple and gold flecks Italian art glass footed, with fan shape rim decorative flower vase. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for the Barovi...
Gold Leaf
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
$300Sale Price|25% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Clear Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Bird Figurine Sculpture
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown clear, gold flecks, and bubbles Italian art glass baby bird figurine. Documented to the Barovier e Toso Company. I have owned several with labels ...
Gold Leaf
Ercole Barovier Serving Tray Mirror-Engraved Murano Glass, Italy 1950s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Midcentury amazing rectangular mirror-engraved Murano glass serving tray. This wonderful piece was produced in Italy during 1950s by the master Murano glass-maker of Ercole Barov...
Metal
Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso Aborigeni Murano Art Glass Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso Aborigeni Murano Art Glass Bowl A great Murano glass bowl in Aborigeni technique. Designed by Ercole Barovier and manufactured by Barovier & Toso...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Barovier Toso Murano Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Gourd Pepper Fruit Sculptures
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage set of Murano hand blown gold flecks Italian art glass gourd, tomato and pepper figures / sculptures. The pieces are documented to the Barovie and Toso company. Cre...
Gold Leaf
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
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
$4,667Sale Price|25% Off
Ercole Barovier Murano Seminatore Clear Massiccio Glass Gold Applications, 1930
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C., Ercole Barovier
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
This is a great sculpture. Please check details on photo. It's part of a group of probably four figurines representing the four seasons. This is the spr...
Gold Leaf
Barovier Large Murano Glass Bowl Vase, Clam, Shell, Conchiglia iridized
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very nice an early glass centerpiece made and designed by Barovier.
Murano Glass
Liberty Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
hand blown Murano chandelier by Ercole Barovier, circa 1940. From private collection Von plant Baron.
Metal
"Inlay Vase," Ercole Barovier, Murano 1970-1975
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Venezia, IT
Blown vase with alternating yellow and blue tiles. 1970-1975.
Murano Glass
$3,173Sale 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, Bowl, Glass, Italy, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in High Point, NC
A blown-glass bowl designed by Ercole Barovier and produced by Barovier & Toso, Italy, c. 1940s. Overall Dimensions (inches): 3.5"H x 7.5"W x 5.5"D All items ship from High Point, ...
Glass
Ercole Barovier Murano Glass Monkey Sculpture, Italy, circa 1930
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Sharon, CT
Monkey sculpture of iridized clear and black glass.
Glass
Ercole Barovier Iridescent Grosse Costolature Clam Shell Glass Bowl, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso in 1942, exquisite A Grosse Costolature or clam shell bowl in heavy transparent iridescent clear Murano glass with undulating pron...
Blown Glass
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
Ercole Barovier Cordonato Oro Murano Glass Floor Lamp, Italy 1940s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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
Art Deco Glass Bowl by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1930s with Gold Leaf
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Albano Laziale, Rome/Lazio
This particular Art Deco glass bowl was made by Barovier & Toso in the 1930s in Murano, Italy. In a beautiful combination of clear cased glass with loads of gold leaf inclusions ...
Murano Glass
Midcentury Set of 3 "Submerged" Murano Glass Italian Bowl, Barovier, Italy 1970
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century collection of three decorative bowls in "Sommerso" Murano crystal glass. This wonderful set was designed by Barovier in Italy during the 1970s. The sinuous li...
Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass, Blown Glass
$600Sale Price / item|20% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Red Pink Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Flower Form Bowls
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Price per item (3 different colors available). Gorgeous vintage Murano hand blown controlled bubbles and gold flecks Italian art glass flower form bowls. Documented to designer Erco...
Gold Leaf
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
Ercole Barovier, Organic Wall Mirror, Murano Glass, Brass, Italy c. 1940
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and Murano glass wall mirror designed by Ercole Barovier and produced by Barovier & Toso, Italy, c. 1940s. Dimensions (inches): 18” H x 16” W x 1.625” D Does not include mo...
Brass
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
Venation Mirror by Ercole Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Venation Murano mirror for the wall
Murano Glass
$8,399Sale Price|20% Off
Charming Italian Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
Extraordinary chandelier mid-20th century Art Deco by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940. Nine lights.
Brass
$712Sale Price|25% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Green Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Ribbed Pitcher Vase
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown emerald green and gold flecks Italian art glass decorative pitcher shaped flower vase. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for the Barovier e ...
Gold Leaf
Pair of Monumental “Bullicante” Murano Glass Wall Lights by Ercole Barovier, 40s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A rare and exceptionally sculptural pair of large-scale Murano glass wall sconces designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso during the 1940s. These remarkable fixtures embody t...
Brass
Vintage Barovier & Toso 'A Grosse Costolature' Art Glass Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage Murano art glass vase. By Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso. From the 'A Grosse Costolature' series. With a fan-shape...
Art Glass
Mid-Century Modern Raindrop Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 1940
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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
Museal Art Decò Ercole Barovier Murano Glass Chandelier, 1930
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Exceptional Art Deco Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, Italy, circa 1930s A rare and highly refined Murano glass chandelier designed by Ercole Barovier...
Murano Glass
$951Sale Price|20% Off
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
Ercole Barovier - Ferro Toso Barovier Bowl ca. 1936
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Ercole Barovier - Ferro Toso Barovier Bowl ca. 1936 A nice glass bowl manufactured by Ferro Toso Barovier ca. 1936, Murano Italy. Honey yellow glass with gold foil inclusion and a o...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Vintage Murano Pezzato Art Glass Ashtray by Barovier & Toso 1950s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Murano Pezzato Art Glass Ashtray by Barovier & Toso 1950s A heavy Murano art glass ashtray designed by Ercole Barovier and manufactured by Barovier & Toso, Italy circa 1950s. Heavy hot moulded glass internally decorated with opaline and light green glass plates...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Set of 3 Murano Ashtrays or Decorativ Bowls in Orange Murano Glass, Italy 1970
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Wonderful Mid-Century collection of three decorative bowls or ashtrays in sommerso Murano mouth blown black, orange and white glass with gold details. This incredibly charming and un...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$3,840Sale Price|20% Off
Mid-Century Modern Murano Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier, Italy
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, C
Artistic Murano blown glass vase by Ercole Barovier (1889-1974). Italy, CIRCA 1950.
Glass
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
$9,211Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco brass chandelier with Murano glass by Ercole Barovier Venini 1940s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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
Ercole Barovier Toso Murano Iridescent Italian Art Deco Glass Conch Shell Bowl
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown clear glass and iridescent Italian art glass conch seashell sculptural bowl. The piece is documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for th...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$12,132Sale 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
$760Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Light Green Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Bowl Ashtray
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown light green and gold flecks Italian art glass bowl with internal decoration. The piece is documented to designer Ercole Barovier for Bar...
Gold Leaf
Ercole Barovier Corniola Glass Vase for Barovier & Toso, Italy 1952
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Milan, IT
Ercole Barovier Corniola Murano Glass vase for Barovier & Toso, Italy 1952 Original Label.
Murano Glass
Large Barovier Coronado d'Oro Glass Centerpiece Bowl
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Large Barovier & Toso Murano handblown centerpiece bowl in the Coronado d'ore technique. Expertly crafted of thick clear glass with gold inclusions.
Glass
Ercole Barovier, Organic Wall Mirror, Murano Glass, Brass, Italy c. 1940
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in High Point, NC
A brass and Murano glass wall mirror designed by Ercole Barovier and produced by Barovier & Toso, Italy, c. 1940s. Dimensions (inches): 18.125” H x 15.75” W x 2” D Does not include...
Brass
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
Barovier Toso Murano Black Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Pear Fruit Paperweight
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown dark brown pigments, black and gold flecks Italian art glass pear figure / sculpture. The piece is documented to designer Ercole Barovie...
Gold Leaf