Magnificent Blown-Glass Vase by Ercole Barovier, Italy 1965
About the Item
- Creator:Ercole Barovier (Artist)
- Dimensions:Height: 14.57 in (37 cm)Width: 13.78 in (35 cm)Depth: 5.91 in (15 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1965
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Saint Ouen, FR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU4811234591412
Ercole Barovier
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Saint Ouen, France
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- "Le Coq" Michel Anasse Sculpture in Soldering Iron, 1965By Michel AnasseLocated in Saint Ouen, FRHumour, fantasy in Michel Anasse sculptures. His animal masterpieces are well-known all-over the world. This object represents a coq in soldering iron, circa 1965. He's French artist...Category
Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
MaterialsIron
- Console by Alfredo Freda, Italy, 1970'sBy Alfredo Freda, Cittone OggiLocated in Saint Ouen, FRConsole by Italian designer Alfredo Freda for Cittone Oggi, with a travertine top on a chromed metal structure, signed on the base.Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Console Tables
MaterialsTravertine, Metal, Chrome
- Dinning Table by Alfredo Freda, Italy, 1970'sBy Cittone Oggi, Alfredo FredaLocated in Saint Ouen, FRDinning table by Alfredo Freda for Cittone Oggi, sculptural construction featuring a twisted brass base supporting a rectangular travertine top.Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Tables
MaterialsTravertine, Brass
- Excalibur Floor Lamp by Gino Poli, Italy 1970’sBy Gino PoliLocated in Saint Ouen, FRSculpural Floor Lamp in blown glass of Murano and a base in chromed metal. Designed by Ettore Fantasia and Gino Poli for Sothis, interes...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Floor Lamps
MaterialsChrome
- Sublime Travertine Coffee Table by Angello Mangiarotti, Italy 1970By Angelo MangiarottiLocated in Saint Ouen, FRThis superb travertine table is the work of Angelo Mangiarotti, an Italian designer of the 1970s. The table's superb patina, streamlined shape and ideal dimensions make it a softly c...Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Coffee and Cocktail Tables
MaterialsTravertine
- Round Italian Table, 1940sLocated in Saint Ouen, FRAn elegant round Italian table made off wrought iron (base and legs), gold brass spheres and a thick Saint Gobain glass . 1940s style with a modern vibe d...Category
Vintage 1940s French Mid-Century Modern Center Tables
MaterialsBrass, Iron
- "Neomurrino" blown glass vase, design Ercole BAROVIER ed. BAROVIER & TOSOBy Ercole Barovier, Barovier&TosoLocated in Torino, ITBlown glass vase Neomurrin, design Ercole BAROVIER ed. BAROVIER & TOSO. ORIGIN Murano, Italy PERIOD Anni 80 DESIGNER Design by Hercules BAROVIER (1889-1974) MARK Barovier & Toso ...Category
Vintage 1980s Italian Vases
MaterialsGlass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
- Murano glass vase by Ercole BarovierBy Ercole BarovierLocated in Ciudad Autónoma Buenos Aires, CArtistic Murano blown glass vase by Ercole Barovier (1889-1974). Italy, CIRCA 1950.Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
MaterialsGlass
- Vase by Ercole BarovierBy Barovier&Toso, Ercole BarovierLocated in Piacenza, ItalyVase of the "barbarici" series in grey glass with the gilded surface corroded with the application of metal oxides under heat. The central hole and the applied foot are rimmed with b...Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
MaterialsGlass, Murano Glass
- Ercole Barovier Crepuscolo Glass VaseBy Ercole BarovierLocated in New York, NYStunning and Rare Ercole Barovier Crepuscolo Glass Vase circa late 30's. Crepuscolo is a technique of inserting iron wool between two layers of mol...Category
Vintage 1930s Italian Vases
MaterialsBlown Glass
- "Intariso" Art Glass Vase by Ercole BarovierBy Ercole BarovierLocated 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...Category
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
MaterialsArt Glass
- Ercole Barovier Corniola Glass Vase for Barovier & Toso, Italy 1952By Barovier&Toso, Ercole BarovierLocated in Milan, ITErcole Barovier Corniola Murano Glass vase for Barovier & Toso, Italy 1952 Original Label.Category
Vintage 1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
MaterialsMurano Glass