Important Italian Glass  
8 June 2013
Important Italian Glass  
147

Ercole Barovier

Dorico Variation bowl

Barovier & Toso
Italy, 1960 3½ h × 6¾ dia in (9 × 17 cm)
estimate: $6,000–8,000
result: $5,000
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This work is unique. Incised signature to underside: [Ercole Barovier 1960].
literature: Il Vetro di Murano alle Biennali 1895-1972, Barovier, Barovier Mentasti & Dorigato, pg. 186 illustrates related forms

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Ercole Barovier 1889–1974

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The nearly fifty year tenure of Ercole Barovier as artistic director, designer and owner of Barovier & Toso is unprecedented in the history of Murano glass, and the firm’s success stands as a testament to his singular artistic talent and entrepreneurial genius.

Born in 1889 to a Muranese family that could trace its origins back to the 13th century, Barovier did not train as a glassblower but had a great passion for glass and quickly distinguished himself as an innovative designer. He joined Artisti Barovier in 1919 at the age of thirty and found success designing vases in the mosaic technique. In 1930 he produced the critically acclaimed and award-winning Primavera series, the success of which encouraged him to continue his experiments.

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result: $317,000

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Important Primavera vase

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Ercole Barovier

Important Mosaico vase

estimate: $150,000–200,000

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estimate: $30,000–40,000

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