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.
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
Barovier Toso Murano White Optic Swirl Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Flower Vase
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown white and gold flecks Italian art glass oval shape rim, ribbed surface, decorative flower vase. The piece is documented to designer Ercole Barovie...
Gold Leaf
Art Deco Italian Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
Art Deco Italian chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 1940.
Brass
$375Sale Price|25% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Yellow Blue Gold Fleck Italian Art Glass Love Bird Figurine
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown bright yellow and sapphire blue spots, bubbles and gold flecks Italian art glass baby bird figurine / sculpture. Documented to the Barovier e Toso...
Gold Leaf
Ercole Barovier vase Murano Rostrato white Iridescent 1940.
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Palermo, IT
Incredible large vase mid-century crystal- rostrato Murano mouth-blown glass. This wonderful object was produced in the 1940s in Italy by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso. The ma...
Murano Glass
Rare Mid Century Modern Chandelier or Pendant Lamp 'Putti' by Barovier & Toso
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in München, BY
Gorgeous, highly decorative Mid-Century Modern 'Putti' pendant lamp or chandelier. Designed & manufactured by Barovier & Toso, Italy, 1950s. Executed in Murano Glass and brass, the ...
Brass
$1,400Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Neolitico 1954 Pulled Feather Design Italian Art Glass Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown grays and blacks feathered design Italian art glass flower vase. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for the Barovier e Toso company...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
"Intariso" Art Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in New York, NY
"Intariso" Italian art glass vase by Ercole Barovier. Made by Barovier & Toso. Clear,red and grey glass fused with triangular platelets. Literature: Venetian Art Glass, An Ameri...
Art Glass
Liberty Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
Handblown Murano chandelier by Ercole Barovier, circa 1940. From Private collection Von Plant Baron.
Metal
Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso Porpora Murano Glass Dish, Italy, 1960s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in New York, NY
Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso "Porpora" Murano glass dish, Italy, 1960s. This exceptional bowl showcases Barovier's celebrated Porpora technique, distinguished by its richl...
Blown Glass
Rare Art Deco Ercole Barovier chandelier in Pulegoso Murano glass. Italy 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Catania, CT
A stunning and rare Art Deco chandelier designed by Ercole Barovier, crafted in Italy during the 1940s. This exceptional piece is made of Pulegoso Murano glass, a distinctive techniq...
Murano Glass
Barovier Toso Murano Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Ribbed Vase/ Vessel
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Buffalo, NY
Barovier Toso Murano Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Ribbed Vase/ Vessel. 1950s
Art Glass
PAIR Ercole Barovier Murano Art Glass Shell Candle Holders Opalescent glass
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Ann Arbor, MI
PAIR Ercole Barovier Murano Art Glass Shell Candle Holders in Opalescent glass. Both are hand blown and show slight difference due to being hand made. Rare to find a pair.
Blown Glass
Exceptional Etched Murano Glass Mirrored Tray by Ercole Barovier, Italy, 1980s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Murano Glass & Etched Mirror Tray attributed to Ercole Barovier 1960s Italy An elegant large Italian serving or vanity tray, attributed to renowned Murano glassmaker Ercole Barovier...
Mirror, Murano Glass
BAROVIER & TOSO table or hanging mirror MURANO glass ITALY 1940/50.
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Milano, IT
BAROVIER & TOSO, designed by ERCOLE BAROVIER, the murano glass mirror of excellent workmanship and excellent state of preservation It has the signature embossed in the brass as seen...
Brass
Mid-Century pair of Ercole Barovier Murano glass and brass table lamps. 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Catania, CT
Set of two small table lamps designed by Ercole Barovier during the 40s. Good vintage condition with normal trace of age and use but a crack on a brass socket as shown in pictures. G...
Brass
Barovier Toso Murano Purple Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Chunky Ashtray Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown dark purple, controlled bubbles and gold flecks Italian art glass triangle shape bowl. The piece is documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for th...
Gold Leaf
Art Deco Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
Amazing and elegant handblown Bulicante Murano chandelier by Ercole Barovier, circa 1940. Measure: Diameter cm 70 Height cm 115 From Private collection.
Brass
Vintage Barovier & Toso 'A Grosse Costolature' Art Glass Vase
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
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
Ercole Barovier Crepuscolo Vase for Ferro Toso Barovier, Italy, 1936
By Ferro Toso Barovier, Ercole Barovier
Located in Milan, IT
Ercole Barovier Crepuscolo vase for Ferro Toso Barovier, Italy, 1936.
Murano Glass
"Spuma di Mare" Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in New York, NY
"Spuma di Mare" Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, Italy. "Spuma di Mare" translates to "Sea Foam" referring to the bubbles under glass surface. Made by Ercole Barov...
Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier Murano Glass Bowl in Turquoise with Gold Inclusions 1950s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in New York, NY
Designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso in the 1950s, this exquisite Murano art glass bowl is masterfully hand-blown in a luminous turquoise glass and richly infused with...
Blown Glass
Rare pair of large wall lamps by Ercole Barovier & Toso, Italy, 1940s
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C., Ercole Barovier
Located in Argelato, BO
This rare pair of wall lamps represents a masterpiece of 20th-century Venetian craftsmanship, designed by renowned designer Ercole Barovier and crafted by the historic Barovier & Tos...
Brass
Rare Pair of “Festoni” Wall Sconces by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, 1938
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C., Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An exceptional and highly collectible pair of "Festoni" wall sconces designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso in 1938, among the most sculptural and expressive examples of pre...
Brass
Pair Ercole Barovier for Barovier and Toso Cordonato D Oro Murano double candles
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Ann Arbor, MI
Ercole Barovier for Barovier and Toso Cordonato D’Oro gold leaf pair of double candles. Very large and impressive pieces in a great technique. The nearly fifty year tenure of E...
Blown Glass
$563Sale Price|24% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Yellow Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Spike Bowl Ashtray
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown bright yellow and gold flecks Italian art glass ribbed with spike corners bowl / cigar ashtray. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier for the the...
Gold Leaf
$1,085Sale Price|30% Off
Barovier Toso Efeso Bowl Plate Dish Vessel Aquatic Water Bubbles Blue Murano Art
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Exquisite, rare and iconic art glass bowl, plate, dish or vessel designed by Ercole Barovier circa 1965 and manufactured by the legendary Italian art glass furnaces of Barovier Toso ...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso “A Stelle” Murano Glass Vase, Italy, 1937
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Milano, IT
Exceptional Murano glass vase from the celebrated “A Stelle” series, designed by Ercole Barovier and produced by Barovier & Toso in Italy, circa 1937. Executed in thick, heavy co...
Glass, Blown Glass
Italian chandelier by Ercole Barovier from the 30's in Murano glass
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Ternay, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Italian suspension lamp from the '40s by Italian designer Ercole Barovier for the Venetian manufacturer Barovier & Toso. Center bar, canopy and diffuser in thick transparent Mura...
Murano Glass
Mid-Century Tea Morosati Table Light by Stilnovo and Barovier & Toso, Italy
By Ercole Barovier, Stilnovo, Tea Morosati
Located in Steinheim am Albuch, BW
Magnificent and rare italian table light designed by Tea Morosati, produced by Stilnovo. The handblown glass is by the renewed glassmaker Barovier & Toso. This stunning and large ta...
Brass
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Toso Efeso Vase Steel Blue Gray Teardrop Shape Murano Glass Vase Italia
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A rare and exquisite Murano glass "Efeso" vase by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, Italy, circa 1960s. This stunning teardrop-shaped vase showcases a unique blend of gray and ste...
Blown Glass, Glass, Murano Glass, Art Glass
Ercole Barovier “Bird” Murano Glass Gold 1950 Italy
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Milano, IT
Ercole Barovier “Bird”.
Murano Glass
$8,401Sale 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
Art Deco Italian Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
Art Deco Italian chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 1940. It is a very rare piece. The engraving on glass of two cornucopias is remarkable.
Brass
Ercole Barovier Precious Murano Chandelier "Reticello" Venice, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Extraordinary chandelier by Ercole Barovier. A jewel hanging in the middle of the room. Three E14 light bulbs.
Brass
24 Pc Barovier Hand Blown Venetian "French Blue" Stemware Service for 12
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Great Barrington, MA
This beautiful handblown Venetian stemware service for 12 in "French Blue" and gold was made by Barovier. The quilted optic bowl and foot, add an extra element of design with connectors comprised of clear figural grapes with gold leaf inclusions. The tall goblets are perfect as water or wine goblets and the champagne coupes are also perfect as footed desserts coupes...
Glass
Barovier Toso Murano Orange Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Flower Star Bowl
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown orange and gold flecks Italian art glass star / flower shaped bowl. The piece is documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for the Barovier e Toso c...
Gold Leaf
Ercole Barovier Efeso Green Table Lamp
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Munich, DE
Efeso bottle shape table lamp executed by Barovier & Toso, Italy 1964. Clear glass, dark green blue flaky powder inclusions with bubbles, permeated with oxide inclusions, clear over...
Brass
Chandelier Art Deco by Ercole Barovier, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Chandelier Art Deco by Ercole Barovier, 1940.
Blown Glass
$1,353Sale Price|20% Off
Murano Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso with White Canes, Italy
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1970s. This is an extremely fine vase, designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso's company in Murano. It is made in hand-blown glass with white canes. This is...
Murano Glass
$3,267Sale Price|20% Off
Spectacular Murano "Stalactite" Chandelier Attributed to Barovier - Italy 1940.
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Brussels, BE
Rare and spectacular Murano " Stalactite" six light chandelier. Attributed to Barovier- Murano. Circa 1940.
Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier Murano glass 'Eugenio" circa 1951 face tricolor vase.
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and rare Ercole Barovier Murano glass "Eugenio" circa 1951 in pulegous green with applied eye an mouth in black glass vase.
Murano Glass
Art Deco Brass Mounted Murano Glass Chandelier by 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...
Blown Glass
Pair of Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso “Rostrato” Glass Wall Sconces, 1940s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An exceptional and highly decorative pair of Rostrato Murano glass wall sconces designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso in the 1940s. Among the most iconic creations of twent...
Brass
$3,173Sale Price|20% Off
Charming Italian Midcentury Murano Fixture by Ercole Baroviera
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
With a precious handblown 'costolature' cup, rare pink peach color. Three E27 light bulbs.
Blown Glass
Set of 3 “Bullicante” Murano Glass Wall Lights by Ercole Barovier, 40s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A rare and exceptionally sculptural set of three large-scale Murano glass wall sconces designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso during the 1940s. These remarkable fixtures emb...
Brass
Ercole Barovier Table Lamp Murano Glass Brass Parchment Lampshade 1940 Italy
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Milano, IT
Only glass height 50cm diameter 15cm.
Murano Glass
$3,173Sale Price|20% Off
Charming Italian Midcentury Pink Peach Color Murano Fixture by Ercole Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
With a precious hand blown 'costolature' cup, rare pink peach color. Three E27 light bulbs.
Blown Glass
$2,893Sale Price / set|20% Off
Vintage Pair of Transparent Bullicante Murano Glass Vases by Ercole Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Bresso, Lombardy
Made in Italy, 1930s - 1940s Made in transparent bullicante hand-blown Murano glass by Ercole Barovier. These vases are original and quite rare to find as a pair, especially in this...
Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier e Toso Coronado D'Oro Impressive Italian Glass Vase
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Phoenix, AZ
Ercole Barovier glass vase with melon shape Measures: 10 1/2" H x 8 3/4" W x 6" W Coloration is gold adventuring over deep purple. In mint condition.
Glass
Ercole Barovier Large Porpora Glass Bowl with Gold Inclusions, Italy, 1960s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in New York, NY
Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso large "Porpora" Murano glass bowl, Italy, 1960s. This exceptional centerpiece showcases Barovier's celebrated Porpora technique, distinguished by ...
Blown Glass
Ercole Barovier Iridescent Grosse Costolature Clam Shell Glass Bowl, 1940s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
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
Ercole Barovier Murano Glass and Gold Centerpiece for Artistica Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very nice and elegant early Murano glass bowl, by Ercole Barovier.
Art Glass
Ercole Barovier Footed Bowl, Gold Leaf Grapes, Murano Glass, 1949
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in London, GB
Classically shaped oval bowl is a master class of technique and elegance, designed by Ercole Barovier (1889-1974) circa 1948 for Barovier, Toso & Co. It has an edging of white on...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Pair of Murano Glass Barovier and Toso vase C1960
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in London, GB
A pair of elegant milky pink/white candlesticks with an almost red contrasting centre Produced in Murano in the 1960s by Barovier & Toso. Original label present. (See images).
Blown Glass
Beautiful Scenery Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 1940
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Beautiful scenery chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 1940.
Blown Glass
Precious Chandelier "Reticello" by Ercole Barovier, Venice, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Extraordinary chandelier by Ercole Barovier. A jewel hanging in the middle of the room. From the private collection of Baron Von Plant.
Brass
Ercole Barovier Production Murano Ephesus Series Vase Italy 1964s Mid-Century
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Palermo, IT
ERCOLE BAROVIER . Production Barovier & Toso, Murano, Italy ca. 1964. Vase from the “Efeso” series in blown glass of ice color obtained with the hot coloring technique without fusio...
Murano Glass
Barovier&Toso Murano glass "rostrato" green vase circa 1938.
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rio De Janeiro, RJ
Incredible and special Ercole Barovier for Barovier&Toso circa 1938 green "rostrato" Murano glass vase.
Murano Glass
Efeso Vase, designed in 1964, Ercole Barovier
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Brussels, BE
Efeso Vase, designed in 1964, Ercole Barovier Ercole Barovier was born on Murano, an island near Venice, in 1889. He began working in his family's glass workshop at the age of 20 an...
Murano Glass