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.
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 (1985) An elegant Italian serving or vanity tray, attributed to renowned Murano glassmaker Ercole Barovier. The piece...
Mirror, Murano Glass
Murano Chandelier by Barovier, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
Murano Glass Chandelier Attributed to Ercole Barovier Murano, 1940s–1950s This extraordinary chandelier belongs to that unique period in Murano glassmaking when glass ceased to be m...
Brass
Barovier Large Pair of Murano Glass and Brass Flower Sconces, Italy 1940s
By Barovier, Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique large pair of flower-shaped sconces in Murano mouth-blown “bullicante” crystal glass and solid brass. These marvelous lights were designed by Barovier and produc...
Brass
Murano chandelier by Ercole Barovier Barovier & Toso, Italy 1930s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Miklavž Pri Taboru, SI
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 businesses glo...
Brass
Set of Three Art Deco “Tulip” Glass Wall Sconces by Ercole Barovier, 1940s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A striking set of three Art Deco wall sconces designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, Italy, circa 1940s. These rare fixtures epitomize the refined sensibility of mid-20th-c...
Brass
Ercole Barovier Rostrato Murano Glass Italian Vase for Barovier & Toso, 1940s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Fantastic mouth-blown rostrato crystal Murano glass vase. This marvelous decorative piece was realized during the 1940s in Italy by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso. In fabulous ...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier Toso Murano Glass Spira Aurata Vase, 1960s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Barcelona, ES
Murano Art Glass 'Spira Aurata Striato Vase' by Ercole Barovier, Barovier e Toso, Italy, 1966. Spira Aurata series oval-section drop vase in blown green-blue glass with polychrome ga...
Gold Leaf
$8,207Sale Price|34% Off
Imposing Rare Barovier Fountain Chandelier, White Puligoso, 1930s, Murano Deco
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Sophisticated chandelier from Ercole Barovier. A rare beautiful chandelier, the bottom bowl is in horizontal ribbed hand opened clear etched glass crowned by a set of 12 large and h...
Blown Glass, Milk Glass, Murano Glass
1930s by Ercole Barovier Gold Glass Murano Animal Elephant
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, IT
Elephant by Ercole Barovier, 1930s. Gold Murano glass Perfect condition.
Murano Glass
Pair of “Foglia” Murano Glass Wall Lights by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Elegant and sculptural pair of Murano glass wall lights designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso in the 1940s. Each applique is composed of a beautifully molded clear gla...
Brass
Art Deco Iridescent Shell Bowl by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, Italy 30s
By Barovier, Ercole Barovier
Located in Lucija, SI
Elegant shell bowl designed and made by Ercole Barovier of the 1930s. The bowl is made with iridescent technique, in fact the whole object is made of iridescent murano glass in the s...
Murano Glass
$300Sale Price|25% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Pink Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Bird Figurine Sculpture
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown clear, dark pink, and bubbles Italian art glass baby bird figurine. Documented to the Barovier e Toso Company. I have owned several with labels be...
Gold Leaf
Rostrato Vase Barovier style, Clear Murano Glass, italian mid-century modern
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Venezia, IT
Rostrato vase in authentic Murano glass, handmade in the typical Rostrato style introduced by Ercole Barovier at the beginning of the twentieth century. Additional information: Mate...
Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Chandelier by Barovier & Toso, Murano, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
Elegant handblown Murano chandelier by Barovier & Toso, circa 1940. From Private collection Von Plant Baron.
Brass
Murano Chandelier by Barovier, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
This extraordinary chandelier, attributed to Ercole Barovier and dating to the 1940s, represents one of the most poetic expressions of postwar Murano glassmaking. The piece seems to...
Brass
Ercole Barovier Toso Murano Gold Flecks Bullicante Art Glass Ribbed Bowl
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Barcelona, ES
Amazing hand blown Cordonato D' Oro Bullicante soft green Murano glass ribbed bowl / ashtray. Ercole Barovier for Barovier e Toso. Italy, 1930s This striking decorative bowl is heavi...
Gold Leaf
Etched Murano Glass Mirrored Tray by Ercole Barovier, Italy, 1960s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Created by Ercole Barovier, this piece is a beautiful Italian serving or vanity table tray edged in Murano glass rope that is embedded with clear gold flakes. Done in the style of Luigi Brusotti and Gio Ponti, the mirror is etched with Venetian romantic figures...
Mirror, Murano Glass, Wood
Rare “a Mugnoni” Murano Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, 1938
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An exceptional and museum-worthy Murano glass vase designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso in 1938, from the renowned “a mugnoni” series. This iconic piece is defined by its...
Murano Glass
Pair of wall lamps by Ercole Barovier in Rugiadoso Murano glass, Italy 1950s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Catania, CT
Pair of wall lamps designed by Ercole Barovier, crafted in Rugiadoso Murano glass, Italy, 1950s. These exquisite vintage lamps feature leaf-shaped glass shades with a textured patter...
Brass
Chandelier by Barovier & Toso, Murano, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
Elegant handblown Murano chandelier by Barovier & Toso, circa 1940. From Private collection Von Plant Baron.
Brass
A 1940's 'Rostrato' Murano Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Sleepy Hollow, NY
A vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian "Rostri" or "Rostrato" vase designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, crafted in Murano, Italy, circa 1940. Hand-blown in lightly smok...
Blown Glass, Art Glass, Murano Glass
$338Sale Price|24% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Teal Pink Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Bird Figurine
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown teal green, pink, gold flecks and bubbles Italian art glass little bird figurine. Documented to the Barovier e Toso company. I have owned many of ...
Gold Leaf
Ercole Barovier, Murano pair of Table Lamps circa 1940
By Ercole Barovier
Located in LA, CA
Elevate any interior with this exquisite set of four Italian Mid-Century Modern table lamps, crafted in the 1970s and defined by their sophisticated play of light, texture, and form....
Brass
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
Pair of Ercole Barovier "Feather" Murano Glass Sconces for Barovier & Toso, 1971
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A beautiful and rare pair of Murano glass wall sconces designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso in 1971. Elegant, sculptural and highly atmospheric, these lights perfectly e...
Brass
Ercole Barovier Large Rostrato Murano Glass Italian Vase, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous large mouth-blown rostrato crystal Murano glass vase. This spectacular decorative piece was produced in Italy during the 1940s by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso. In m...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier Murano Art Glass Double Flower Vase, Pink & Gold Leaf, 1950
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown pink stripes and gold flecks Italian art glass double opening flower vase. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for Barovier e Toso. The vase h...
Gold Leaf
Barovier Toso Murano Pink Blue Gold Fleck Italian Art Glass Love Birds Sculpture
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown sky blue, pink, controlled bubbles and gold flecks Italian art glass love birds sculpture. The piece is documented to the Barovier e Toso Company....
Gold Leaf
Ercole Barovier, large five-arm Murano glass chandelier, Italy, 1950s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Argelato, BO
An elegant five-arm chandelier by Ercole Barovier, crafted from Murano glass using the signature silvered and iridescent glass technique. The central structure is dominated by a larg...
Murano Glass
Pair of Sculptural “Bullicante” Glass Wall Sconces by Barovier & Toso, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Exceptional Pair of Murano Bullicante Glass Wall Sconces by Ercole Barovier, circa 1940 An exceptional and rare pair of Murano wall sconces designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier ...
Brass
Ercole Barovier Rostrato Murano Glass Vase for Barovier & Toso, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Palermo, IT
Amazing midcentury mouth-blown rostrato crystal Murano glass vase. This wonderful object was produced during the 1940s in Italy by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso. This masterpie...
Murano Glass
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
$4,461Sale Price|35% Off
Art Deco Ercole Barovier Venini Murano Glass Chandelier 1940s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Palermo, IT
This exquisite Murano glass Art Deco chandelier, to celebrated designer Ercole Barovier, embodies the Venetian elegance and craftsmanship of the 1930s or 1940s. Its central metal fra...
Brass
Ercole Barovier Aqua Marine Murano Glass Vide-Poche
By Ercole Barovier
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular Aqua Marine colored Murano glass vide-poche featuring gold leaf inclusions and fluted exterior. Perfect as a ring dish, desk accessory or table accessory.
Murano Glass
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Purple Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Double Handle Vase
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful, rare, vintage Murano hand blown gold flecks and dark purple trim Italian art glass ornate pierced handles vase. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for the Barovier e ...
Gold Leaf
Murano Barovier Toso Red Intarsio Mosaic Triangle Tessere Italian Art Glass Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown ruby red and dark taupe gray triangle Tessere mosaic Italian art glass flower vase. The piece is documented to designer Ercole Barovier,...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso, Murrine
Ercole Barovier Toso Murano Glass Spira Aurata Vase, 1960s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Barcelona, ES
Murano Art Glass 'Spira Aurata Striato Vase' by Ercole Barovier, Barovier e Toso, Italy, 1966. Spira Aurata series oval-section conical vase in blown glass with polychrome garnet, r...
Gold Leaf
Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Murano, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Budapest, HU
The chandelier by Ercole Barovier (Murano, 1940) Imagine Venice in the early 1940s. The furnaces of Murano are still working as if time itself had chosen to slow down. Among the mos...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Brass & Murano Glass
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A vintage Mid-Century Modern Italian chandelier made of a rectangular brass base and hand blown Murano glass, designed by Ercole Barovier and produced by Barovier & Toso, in good condition. The pendant, ceiling light is composed with six round rostrato lamp...
Metal, Brass
Ercole Barovier Murano Glass Vase for Ferro Toso Barovier Italy 1930s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Milan, IT
Splendid Ercole Barovier Murano Glass Vase for Ferro Toso Barovier Italy 1930s
Murano Glass
Barovier Toso Murano Jade Green Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Spike Bowl Ashtray
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown jade green and gold flecks Italian art glass ribbed with spike corners bowl / cigar ashtray. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier for the the Ba...
Gold Leaf
Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, Italy, 1930s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Art Deco Murano glass pendant by Ercole Barovier, Italy 1930-1939. Very elegant design centred by a Murano crystal glass tulip, brass mou...
Crystal, Brass
$764Sale Price|56% Off
Italian Murano Art Glass Transparent Vase by Barovier, Bullicante Model, 1950s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Casale Monferrato, IT
Beautiful Italian desgn mid-century murano art glass transparent vase. This model vase designed by Ercole Barovier (Murano, Italy, 1950s). A stunning little vase made with a distinc...
Art Glass
Ercole Barovier Murano Glass Ashtray Italy 50s Mid-Century Barovier & Toso
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Palermo, IT
ERCOLE BAROVIER . Barovier & Toso production, Italian design from the 50s. Star-shaped ashtray in clear, bubbling glass, semi-spherical body with reliefs, flat circular mouth. Also e...
Murano Glass
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Ercole Barovier Toso Murano 1966 Blue Red Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Vase
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Rare and beautiful, vintage Murano hand blown blue and wine red stripes on gold flecks Italian art glass flower vase. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for the Barovier e Toso ...
Gold Leaf
Barovier Toso Murano Labels and Signed Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Flower Vase
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful and rare, vintage Murano hand blown pink spots, random bubbles and gold flecks Italian art glass flower vase. The piece is documented to the Barovier e Toso company. It is ...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass, Sommerso
Large Ercole Barovier - Barovier & Toso Aborigeno Vase 1954
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Large Ercole Barovier - Barovier & Toso Aborigeno Vase 1954 A large art glass vase from the 'Aborigeni' series designed by Ercole Barovier in 1954 for Barovier & Toso, Murano, Italy...
Art Glass
Barovier Toso Murano Red Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Flower Star Flared Bowl
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful vintage Murano hand blown red and gold flecks Italian art glass star / flower shaped bowl. The piece is documented to designer Ercole Barovier, for the Barovier e Toso comp...
Gold Leaf
Barovier Pair of Bell Table Lamps in Murano Glass and Brass, Italy 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Marvelous and unique pair of bellflower Murano table lamps in mouth-blown crystal glass and brass. These incredibly elegant lamps were designed by Ercole Barovier and made in Italy d...
Brass
Pair of Murano Glass Bird Wall Sconces by Ercole Barovier .Italy 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
1932 Pair Ercole Barovier two arm wall sconces Eackh arm ends in a hand crafted glass bird with a brass ring
Brass
Ercole Barovier, Art Deco Murano Glass Pendant, Italy 1930s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Catania, CT
Art 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...
Brass
$1,296Sale Price|20% Off
Ercole Barovier 40s Table Lamp
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Palermo, IT
Barovier Ercole lamp one light e14 Lamp with bulb glass reflecting the work of the master glassmaker in the 1940s with original switch of the period. Ready to be placed in your envir...
Murano Glass
Pair of exceptional Barovier & Toso candleholders, Italy, 1938
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An extraordinarily rare pair of Murano glass candleholders designed by Ercole Barovier and executed by Barovier & Toso in 1938. These sculptural pieces display all the hallmarks of B...
Brass
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
Beautiful large Etched Murano Glass Mirrored Tray by Barovier, Italy, 1980s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Created by Ercole Barovier, this piece is a beautiful Italian serving or vanity table tray edged in Murano glass rope that is embedded with blue. Done ...
Mirror, Wood, Murano Glass
Ercole Barovier Medusa Glass Vase for Ferro Barovier Tosso, 1938
By Ercole Barovier
Located in CABA, AR
Ercole Barovier “Medusa” Vase – 1938 Iridescent Murano Glass with Gold Inclusions This exceptional vase from the celebrated Medusa series, designed in...
Art Glass
Murano Glass Crepuscolo Vase by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Roma, RM
Rare and impressive "Crepuscolo" Murano glass vase from the late 1930's. Designed by the legendary Creative Director Ercole Barovier, employing his technique of inserting steel wool ...
Murano Glass
$563Sale Price|24% Off
Barovier Toso Murano Green Gold Flecks Italian Art Glass Flower Form Bowl Dish
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Gorgeous vintage Murano hand blown green, bubbles and gold flecks Italian art glass flower form bowl. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier for the Barovier e Toso company. The colo...
Gold Leaf
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
Ercole Barovier "A Petali" Murano Glass Vase, Italy 1940s
By Barovier&Toso, Ercole Barovier
Located in Milan, IT
An exceptional and sculptural “A Petali” vase designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, Murano, circa 1940s. This iconic model exemplifies Barovier’s refined experimentati...
Murano Glass