Barovier Toso Italian Vintage Art Glass Rostrato Murano Vase / Bowl, circa 1938
About the Item
- Creator:Ercole Barovier (Artist),Ferro Toso Barovier (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 4.14 in (10.5 cm)Diameter: 10.63 in (27 cm)
- Style:Mid-Century Modern (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1938
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Buenos Aires, AR
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2027317886941
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: Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Return PolicyThis item cannot be returned.
- Barovier & Toso Murano Clear and Light Blue ¨Rostrato¨ Glass Vase, Italy, 1950´sBy Barovier&TosoLocated in Buenos Aires, OlivosBarovier & Toso Murano Clear and light blue Rostrato glass vase, Italy, 1950s Vintage / mid-century / Art Deco Blue Murano art glass vase made wit...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
MaterialsMurano Glass
- Large Snow White Murano Flower Vase by Barovier e Toso. Italy, 1970sBy Barovier&TosoLocated in Buenos Aires, OlivosLarge snow white Murano flower vase By Barovier e Toso. Italy, 1970s. Signed Barovier Toso Murano and with original label. Hard to find.Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
MaterialsMurano Glass
- Pair of Large Black Murano Vases by Barovier e Toso, Italy, 1970sBy Barovier&TosoLocated in Buenos Aires, OlivosPair of large black Murano vases by Barovier e Toso. Italy, 1970s. Both are signed and have the original labels on them. Hard to find as a pair.Category
Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
MaterialsMurano Glass
- Italian Murano Glass Vase Cup Alfa Romeo by Flavio Poli for SegusoBy Flavio Poli, Seguso Vetri d'ArteLocated in Buenos Aires, Olivos'Alfa Romeo' glass coupe Flavio Poli for Seguso Vetri d'Arte, circa 1950s Wonderful blue cup Alfa Romeo by Flavio Poli for Seguso. Hand blown Murano glass. Fantastic Piece of Aut...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Vases
MaterialsMurano Glass
- Art Nouveau Loetz Iridescent Glass Vase with Silver OverlayBy Loetz GlassLocated in Buenos Aires, OlivosArt Nouveau glass vase with engraved silver overlay by historic Czech maker Loetz.Category
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Vases
MaterialsSterling Silver
- Fantastic Murano Flower Vase, Blue, Purple with GoldLocated in Buenos Aires, OlivosMid Century Italian Murano flower vase. Blue, Purple with GoldCategory
Vintage 1950s Italian Modern Vases
MaterialsMurano Glass
- Ercole Barovier Rostrato Murano Art Glass Basket Centerpiece VaseBy Barovier&Toso, Ercole BarovierLocated in Barcelona, ESErcole Barovier Murano Rostrato green and clear gold flecked glass basket vase Exquisite green Rostrato Murano art glass basket vase with a tw...Category
20th Century Italian Art Deco Vases
MaterialsGold Leaf
- Barovier Toso Murano Iridescent Italian Art Glass Sculptural Conch Seashell BowlBy Barovier&Toso, Ercole BarovierLocated in Kissimmee, FLBeautiful, rare, vintage Murano hand blown clear iridescent Italian art glass sculptural conch shell bowl. Documented to designer Ercole Barovier for Barovier e Toso, circa 1940s. Cr...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls
MaterialsGlass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
- Barovier e Toso “Centerpiece “ Murano Glass “ “Rostrato” 1940 ItalyBy Barovier&TosoLocated in Milano, ITBarovier e Toso “ Centerpiece “ Murano Glass “Rostrato” 1940 Italy.Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Other Centerpieces
MaterialsMurano Glass
- Barovier e Toso Centerpiece “Rostrato” Murano Glass, 1940, ItalyBy Barovier&TosoLocated in Milano, ITBarovier e Toso centerpiece “Rostrato” murano glass, 1940, Italy.Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Other Centerpieces
MaterialsMurano Glass
- Barovier e Toso Centerpiece “Rostrato” Murano Glass, 1940, ItalyBy Barovier&TosoLocated in Milano, ITBarovier e Toso centerpiece “Rostrato“ Murano glass, 1940, Italy.Category
Vintage 1940s Italian Other Centerpieces
MaterialsMurano Glass
- Barovier Toso Murano Copper Aventurine Italian Art Glass Centerpiece Fruit BowlBy Ercole Barovier, Barovier&TosoLocated in Kissimmee, FLBeautiful 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...Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Decorative Bowls
MaterialsGold Leaf