The still-thriving glassworks known today as Barovier&Toso, revered for its catalogue of exquisite mouth-blown chandeliers, sconces and table lamps, originated on the Venetian island of Murano, a region of the world famed for its production of artisanal glassworks. In its early years, the firm traded under the name Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
The Barovier dynasty began in 1295, when Jacobello Barovier, mentioned in historical documents as a master glassblower, began pinching, cutting, blowing and twisting a molten mixture of sand and minerals into incandescent works of art.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.
Under the nearly 50-year artistic directorship of Barovier&Toso cofounder Ercole Barovier (1889–1974), the company created buoyant traditional pieces such as pendants and wall lights, and it pioneered an array of innovative modernist designs with bold colors, patterns and surfaces.
By the time Ercole Barovier was born, in 1889, his family had already been in the glassmaking business for centuries. Nonetheless, Ercole 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, Ercole joined his family’s business (over time, in addition to Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C., the manufactory’s names have also included Fratelli Barovier and Artisti Barovier). Ercole was appointed artistic director in 1926, and subsequently managed the business with his brother Nicolò.
From 1927 onward, Ercole Barovier was the chief designer at his family’s glassworks. His style became defined by his use of riotous color and later, audacious forms. Ercole created sculptures, table lamps and other pieces using mosaic techniques to add a kaleidoscope of striking hues to his work. Early in his career, he garnered praise for his work with murrine glass, one of the traditional arts for which Murano is widely known. 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 firm still operates today.
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.
Traditional or modern, Barovier&Toso has produced one of the finest and most diverse catalogues of Murano glass in the last 100 years.
Find antique Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C. lighting and decorative objects on 1stDibs.
Rare Pair of “Festoni” Wall Sconces by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, 1938
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso, Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
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
Rare Pair of Ercole Barovier Murano Glass Brass Sconces for Barovier, 1930s
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C., Ercole Barovier
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An exceptionally rare and highly collectible pair of wall sconces designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, Murano, during the 1930s. Signed "Barovier Toso Murano" on the reve...
Brass
$3,123Sale Price|30% Off
Ercole Barovier Art Deco Murano Glass Italian Pendant Chandelier "Pulegoso", 30s
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C., Ercole Barovier
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
$4,697Sale Price|24% 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
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
Barovier and Toso Floor Lamp "Rostrato" Murano Glass copper1940 Italy
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in Milano, IT
EXCEPTIONAL Barovier and Toso floor lamp..ORIGINATING from a villa on Lake Como.
Murano Glass
$1,939Sale Price|20% Off
Lampada Barovier&Toso vintage art deco murano chandelier, 1940.
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C., Barovier&Toso
Located in Palermo, IT
Raro lampadario Art Déco in vetro di Murano cangiante, prodotto negli anni '40. Questo lampadario molto particolare è stato realizzato con la tecnica del vetro acidato che dona al ve...
Murano Glass
Vetreria Artistica Barovier Blue Glass Chalice Goblet, 1920s Italy
By Artisti Barovier, Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in London, GB
Large Chalice sapphire clear blue applied pattern on translucent blown glass attributed to Artistica Barovier (1919-1936) circa 1920. This goblet sits on a long stem with two decorated glass balls and a small central glass ball resting on a splayed foot. The name chalice is borrowed from Greek (kulix), cup. A chalice is often used for drinking during a ceremony or may convey a distinct symbolic meaning. After World War I the company changed its name to Vetreria Artistica Barovier...
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$1,129Sale Price|20% Off
Handle Barovier 1940s Brass Chrome Glass Murano Italian design 1940s
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Handle Barovier 1940s Brass Chrome Glass Murano Italian design 1940s
Brass, Chrome
Large Mid-Century Murano Glass Flush Mount Chandelier by Barovier e Toso, 1940
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in New York, NY
A Large, Elegant and Original, Italian Mid-Century Modern Hand-Blown Murano Glass Flush Mount Chandelier by Barovier e Toso, circa 1940. The piece reflects the artistry and elegance ...
Brass
Barovier & Toso Vintage Chandelier 6 Lights Murano Glass
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in Murano, Venice, IT
Barovier & Toso chandelier Vintage venetian chandelier clear with gold decoration. Dated 1950's /'60 perfect condition , dimensions 100 cm...
Blown Glass
Murano Glass Big Vase by Ercole Barovier for Ferro Toso Barovier, Italy 1937
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C., Ferro Toso Barovier, Barovier, Barovier&Toso
Located in Rome, IT
Amazing truncated conical big vase with applications in thick coulourless murano glass by the maestro of Murano Glass, Ercole Barovier. 1937 production: Ferro - Toso - Barovier. C...
Murano Glass
Vintage Ercole Barovier - Barovier & Toso Barbarico Vase 1951
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C., Ercole Barovier
Located in Berghuelen, DE
Vintage Ercole Barovier - Barovier & Toso Barbarico Vase 1951 A vintage art glass vase from the 'Barbarico' series designed by Ercole Barovier in 1951 for Barovier & Toso, M...
Art Glass
$3,006Sale Price|20% Off
Barovier Ceiling Lamp Italian Design Transparent Glass Murano Bubbles 1940
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Flower Barovier Ceiling Lamp Italian Design Transparent Glass Murano Bubbles 1940 . 3 Bulbs Light E27 Max 80 Watt Each.
Murano Glass
Murano Antique Blush Pink White Italian Art Glass Footed Cabinet Flower Vase
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in Kissimmee, FL
Beautiful antique Murano hand blown dark blush pink over white, Italian art glass cabinet flower vase. Documented to the Vetreria Artistica Barovier...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
$780Sale Price|20% Off
Monumental Ruby Gold Tall Murano CandleStick by Barovier & Toso Venitian Glass
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in San Diego, CA
Striking Italian Venitian glass in ruby red with gold speckles, a showstopper can be used as a centerpiece for special occasions with beautiful colors great condition.
Blown Glass
Italian Chandelier by Barovier & Toso Murano, 1990
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in Budapest, HU
Flamboyant chandelier from the famous Barovier & Toso furnace. 12 ruby red arms to make the protagonist of a representative hall. A six-armed pair is also available.
Murano Glass
$3,982Sale Price|51% Off
Murano Barovier & Toso white ceiling lamp / chandelier, blown glass
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in Valladolid, ES
One of a kind Murano glass chandelier, large in size, designed by Barovier & Toso. Made in the middle of the last century, it has a complex structure; it is configured on a central ...
Metal
Barovier Table Lamp Murano Glass, 1950, Italy
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in Milano, IT
Barovier table lamp Murano glass, 1950, Italy.
Murano Glass
Barovier & Toso Mid Century Italian Murano Glass Vase 1940
By Ercole Barovier, Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in Conversano, IT
This extraordinary vase belongs to the celebrated “Piumato” series by Barovier & Toso, created around 1942 under the artistic direction of Ercole Barovier, and regarded as one of...
Murano Glass
$7,046 / set
H 21.66 in W 13.78 in D 5.12 in
Pair of Large Murano Glass Wall Sconces by Barovier & Toso, Italy, 1970s
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Aachen, NRW
A gorgeous set of 2 sconces with 24-karat gold made by Barovier & Toso, Italy, circa 1970-1979. High quality, Handmade, and in very good condition. Cleaned, well-wired, and ready to ...
Brass
Pair of Graniglia Shield Sconces by Barovier e Toso
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Italian wall light with a Murano glass shield hand blown in Graniglia technique to produce granular textured effect / Made in Italy by Barovier e Toso, 1960s Original label on frame ...
Murano Glass
$2,818 / set
H 6.7 in W 6.5 in D 11.82 in
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
Pair of Round Sconces by Barovier e Toso
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian wall lights with hand blown round multicolor Murano glass diffusers mounted on brass frames / Made in Italy by Barovier e Toso circa 1950s Original mark on the backpl...
Brass
Rostrato Sconce by Barovier e Toso
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original vintage Italian wall light with clear Murano glass hand blown to create a beaked textured effect using Rostrato technique, mounted on brass bracket / Designed by Barovier e ...
Brass
Art Deco Murano Glass Chandelier or Lantern by Ercole Barovier, 1940s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Rome, IT
Fine chandelier by Ercole Barovier centred by a precious Murano glass cup. Design of pure elegance. All the high quality glasses are in perfect condition. One light bulb E 27.
Blown Glass
Barovier Murano Rostrato Glass and Brass Table Lamp, Italy 1940s
By Barovier
Located in Roma, IT
Spectacular and very rare Murano glass table lamp entirely crafted in rostrato mouth-blown Murano glass. This incredibly elegant piece was designed by Barovier and produced in Murano...
Brass
$5,648
H 39.77 in W 29.34 in D 5.71 in
Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 4 Arms Light, Italy, 1930s
By Ercole Barovier
Located in Brussels, BE
Murano Glass Chandelier by Ercole Barovier, 4 Arms Light, Italy, 1930s
Murano Glass
Pair Of Murano Glass Sconces By Carlo Nason For Mazzega
By Venini, Carlo Nason, Barovier, Mazzega, Ercole Barovier
Located in Houston, TX
Pair Of Murano Glass Sconces By Carlo Nason For Mazzega. This lovely pair of Italian modern sconces made of finely crafted ...
Steel
$3,640
H 35.44 in W 13.78 in D 7.49 in
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
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
Pair of Millefiori Sconces by Barovier e Toso
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian wall lights with clear and gold hand blown Murano glass flowers and blue glass screws / Made in Italy in the 1960s by Barovier e Toso Measures: height 12.5 inches, wi...
Murano Glass
SegusoMURANO 1950Pair of wall sconces - Made in. ITALY.
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in Milano, IT
Seguso- pair of sconces made of murano glass and CHROME METAL a clasic of the lighting of the 30s/40s, which was used in the houses and palaces of the bourgeoisie of that era and sti...
Brass
Sold
H 7.88 in W 7.88 in D 7.09 in
Rare Pair of “Festoni” Wall Sconces by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, 1938
By Ercole Barovier, Barovier&Toso, Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in Brescia, Brescia
An exceptional and hard-to-find pair of hand-blown wall sconces designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso in the late 1930s — a rare example of early sculptural Murano lighting...
Brass
Ercole Barovier Art Dèco Italian Murano Glass and Brass Chandelier, 1935s
By Ercole Barovier, Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Six-arm chandelier in blown glass with cups produced with the Reticello technique. Designed by Ercole Barovier and produced by Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C in the late 1930s i...
Brass
Sold
H 17 in W 6.5 in D 6 in
Vintage Signed Vetreria Murano Face Glass Vase, Vessel Sculpture Blues, Greens
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in North Miami, FL
This arresting and beautiful vintage Vetreria Murano tall vase, vessel and glass sculpture is a medley of colors of hues of blues and greens, light ye...
Blown Glass
Sold
H 13.39 in W 6.7 in D 5.52 in
Single Leaf Sconce in Pulegoso Glass with Gold Accents by Barovier & Toso, 1950s
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C., Barovier&Toso
Located in Brescia, Brescia
Large Single Leaf Wall Sconce in Murano Pulegoso Glass with Gold Accents by Barovier & Toso, 1950s. This exquisite piece, labeled and authenticated, epitomizes the elegance and artis...
Brass
Ercole Barovier Art Dèco Italian Murano Glass and Brass Chandelier, 1935s
By Ercole Barovier, Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Glass chandelier with six arms in the shape of a tulip and leaf decorations in transparent glass and brass. Designed by Ercole Barovier and produced by Vetreria Artistica Barovier & ...
Brass
Sold
H 40.56 in W 22.45 in D 20.87 in
Art Deco Brass Mounted Murano Glass Chandelier by Barovier, 1940
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in Rome, IT
Amazing 4 -shade Murano glass chandelier with elegant shaped brass mount, by Barovier. Excellent vintage condition. Four E 27 light bulbs compatible with US standards. The height of...
Blown Glass
Barovier e Toso Floor Lamp "Rostrato" Murano Glass Brass 1940 Italy
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in Milano, IT
Barovier and Toso Floor Lamp
Murano Glass
Barovier Toso, Bowl, Murano, 1970s
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in PARIS, FR
Superb Barovier Toso bowl in Murano blown glass with inclusions of gold leaf and bubbles. Very good condition. Dimensions in cm ( H x D ) : 7...
Gold Leaf
Barovier e Toso Centerpiece Murano Glass, 1955, Italy
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in Milano, IT
Barovier e Toso centerpiece Murano glass, 1955, Italy.
Murano Glass
Sold
H 3.15 in Dm 3.55 in
Ercole Barovier Lenti Vase Barovier & Toso Italy 1940s Gold Leaf Green Murano
By Ercole Barovier, Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in Basel, BS
Unique and rare miniature ‚Lenti‘ vase by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, 1940s. Thick glass with a layer of green and gold inclusions. The serie...
Murano Glass
Mid-20th Century Chandelier by Barovier & Toso, Murano, 1950
By Vetreria Artistica Barovier & C.
Located in Budapest, HU
The chandelier, a unique and unobtainable piece, can fit into any environment, completing the space with a piece of refined elegance. From the private collection of Giancarlo Planta.
Brass