The Barovier dynasty began in 1295, when Jacobello Barovier, mentioned in historical documents as a master glassblower, began pinching, cutting, blowing and twisting a molten mixture of sand and minerals into incandescent works of art. It remained entirely family-owned until the mid-20th century, when it merged with another glassworks to become Barovier&Toso.
Partnerships come and go within the community of glass-making artisans on the Venetian island of Murano, where business relationships seem as complex as the shifting alliances in the notoriously acrimonious Italian parliament. Formed in 1942 by members of families with centuries of experience in the craft, Barovier&Toso has proven to be one of the most enduring and prosperous Italian glass manufactories of recent decades. Under the nearly 50-year artistic directorship of cofounder Ercole Barovier (1889–1974), the company created buoyant traditional pieces such as chandeliers, sconces and other lighting fixtures, and it pioneered an array of innovative modernist glass designs with bold colors, patterns and surfaces.
To appeal to gentler, more conservative tastes, Barovier&Toso produced a range of lilting, sinuous lighting pieces that are often described as embodying “Liberty Style” — the Italian term for Art Nouveau, taken from the name of famed London department store Liberty & Co., which promoted 19th-century organic textile designs and Arts and Crafts-style furniture in the manner of William Morris. The hallmarks of the style in Barovier&Toso works are elements of glass in the shape of thick leaves, fronds and flower petals, deployed along with other naturalistic ornament in sconces, pendants and chandeliers.
Ercole Barovier began his personal aesthetic transition toward modernism in the 1930s with his Primavera series of vases and animal sculptures — idiosyncratic milky-white and clear glass filled with tiny bubbles and hairline interior fissures that he produced for Artisti Barovier, a firm headed by his father and uncle (the company also traded under Fratelli Barovier and Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C. throughout its history). Later, with Barovier&Toso, Ercole would explore such novel styles as the mosaic-like Pezzato glass; fluid Spiral patterns; the pebbly textured Barbarico line and the complex, layered and highly colored abstractions of the Oriente series of vases and bowls.
Traditional or modern, Barovier&Toso — still under family control — has produced one of the finest and most diverse catalogues of Murano glass in the last 100 years.
Shop antique Barovier chandeliers, sconces and other lighting and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
Mazzega wall lighting Glass Murano gold incrustation pair , Italy, 1970
By Mazzega
Located in La xara, VC
Superb Mazzega wall lighting glass Murano with structure. The Design and the quality of the glass make this piece the best of the Italian Design. Mazzega is an Italian company that ...
Murano Glass
Vistosi & Bd Lumica Wall Lighting Gold Glass Murano, Italy, 1970
By Vistosi, BD Lumica
Located in La xara, VC
Unique Exceptional Vistosi & Bd Lumica wall lighting oversized gold glass Murano with metal structure. The Design and the quality of the gold glass make this piece the best of the italian Design. This unique Vistosi & Bd Lumica wall lighting in gold glass murano are exceptional. The leave Glass with gold incrustation . This Pieces of Arts glass show the exclusive design of Italian Designer in 1960/970. This wall lighting are in good condition Condition. Vistosi is a renowned Italian lighting company with a long history and a reputation for producing high-quality lighting fixtures. The Grand Hotel Vintage model from Vistosi & Bd Lumica wall lighting collection offers several compelling reasons to consider it for purchase: Timeless Elegance: The gold wave model Vintage design embodies a timeless elegance that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of any space. Its vintage-inspired style adds a touch of sophistication and charm to both classic and contemporary interiors. Craftsmanship: Vistosi is known for its exceptional craftsmanship, and the Gold incrustation wave model is no exception. The company employs skilled artisans who utilize traditional glassblowing techniques and exquisite materials to create lighting fixtures of exceptional quality and beauty. Unique and Customizable: Each Vistosi lighting fixture is a work of art in itself. The Grand Hotel Vintage model allows for customization options, enabling you to choose from different finishes, colors, and glass types, ensuring that your lighting fixture perfectly complements your space and personal style. Ambient Lighting: The wall-mounted design of the Vistosi Vintage...
Brass
Murano Due wall lighting 24 ct Gilt gold , Italy 1990
By Murano Due
Located in La xara, VC
Murano Due lighting is highly sought after for several compelling reasons: • Exceptional Artistic Craftsmanship: Murano Due lights are made using centuries-old hand-blown glass tech...
Murano Glass
Wall Lighting Mazzega Glass Murano, Italy, 1970
By Mazzega, AVMazzega
Located in La xara, VC
Exceptional mazzega wall lighting ice frost glass Murano with structure. The Design and the quality of the glass make this piece the best of the italian Design. This unique set by ...
Murano Glass
Murano Glass wall lighting by Vetri 45cm pair , Italy 1980s
By Vetri
Located in La xara, VC
Murano Glass wall lighting by VM-Vetri, Italy, Late 1970s These are white Murano glass ceiling or wall lights with a white painted metal bracket, from the production of VM 'Vetri M...
Art Glass, Murano Glass
Barovier & Toso Wall Lighting Gold Glass Murano, Italy, 1980
By Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in La xara, VC
Exceptional Barovier & Toso wall lighting large mixte gold glass Murano with gilet gold metal structure. The Design and the quality of the mixte gold glass make this piece the be...
Brass
Large Brass and Murano Glass Wall Lamps, 1980s, Italy
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Pair of brass and Murano glass wall lamps, Italy, 1980s. These striking vintage sconces feature tall cylindrical glass elements with a warm amber tone and a finely textured Murano su...
Murano Glass
Murano Glass Wall Lamps by Mazzega, 1960s, Italy
By Mazzega
Located in Hagenbach, DE
Pair of Murano glass wall lamps by Mazzega, Italy, 1960s. This decorative vintage set features square hand-blown glass shades with an organic textured surface and sculptural applied ...
Murano Glass
Fantastic Pair of Sconces or Wall Lights by Aureliano Toso Murano 1970
By Aureliano Toso
Located in Rome, IT
Pair of striking wall lights or sconces, each with two precious hand blown massive clear Murano glass by Aureliano Toso Murano 1970'. Available 3 pairs and also a pair of chandeliers...
Blown Glass
Murano Glass Wall Lamps by Leucos, 1960s, Italy
By Leucos
Located in Hagenbach, DE
This elegant pair of Murano glass lamps was produced by the Italian lighting manufacturer Leucos in the 1960s. Reflecting the refined aesthetics of Italian mid-century modern design,...
Murano Glass
Set of 2 Murano Gold and Trasparent Wall Light, 1970
Located in Roma, IT
Set of 2 Elegant wall light with Murano glass. Accommodates one E27 screw-in bulbs, European standards. Measurements: 25 cm width Height 25 cm. 13 Depth.
Murano Glass
Set of 2 Vintage Italian Murano Glass Wall Lamps, Gold Plated, 1970s
Located in Roma, IT
Elegant set of 2 original Italian wall lamps made of Murano glass in the 1970s, featuring a refined glass diffuser with decorative textures and sculptural lines typical of vintage de...
Murano Glass
