Important 20th Century Design Session 1 
20 May 2007
Important 20th Century Design Session 1 
359

Ercole Barovier

Tessere Ambra bowl

Barovier & Toso
Italy, c. 1957
amber glass 4 h × 9 dia in (10 × 23 cm)
estimate: $4,000–6,000
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literature: Ercole Barovier 1889-1974, Dorigato, pg. 103 illustrates other examples from this series The Art of the Barovier, Barovier, pg. 176

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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.

Auction Results Ercole Barovier

Ercole Barovier

Murrine vase

estimate: $15,000–20,000

result: $317,000

Ercole Barovier

Important Primavera vase

estimate: $250,000–350,000

result: $293,000

Ercole Barovier

Important Mosaico vase

estimate: $150,000–200,000

result: $257,000

Ercole Barovier

Vaso Mosaico

estimate: $30,000–40,000

result: $245,000

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