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Barovier & Toso - A popular glass furnace during the 20th century that produced many important and collectable designs, including Intarsio (triangular patchwork), and Barbarico (black with a textured finish.) Still in operation, they now specialize in large-scale lighting projects, but still produce some vases. Fortunately, the new vases are easily identifiable as they are not exact reproductions of the originals. The Barovier family’s involvement with glass can be traced back to the fifteenth century. The museum at the factory in Murano has a must-see collection (appointment required). Most Barovier pieces are not signed.
 Ercole Barovier - (1889-1974) A one man show: designer, manufacturer and businessman. The most prolific of all Murano’s maestros, creating hundreds of styles from 1935 to 1972. A consistent innovator in the field. Primavera pieces from 1930 are highly valued, as the formula could never be repeated. The Barovier family invented Crystalo in the 1450’s, which is the formula that all Murano glass is made from. His son Angelo took over the business in 1960. Earlier pieces from 1932-36 by brother Nicolo and pieces from 1913-1919 by father Benvinuto and uncle Giuseppe called murine or mosaic in the Deco style command the highest glass prices due to their rarity (less than 20 are known world wide).     Photo Credits: |
