Modern Design 
29 March 2012
Modern Design 
327

Ercole Barovier

A Spina vase

Barovier & Toso
Italy, 1958 / c. 1975
glass 8¾ h × 7 dia in (22 × 18 cm)
estimate: $3,000–5,000
result: $2,875
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Incised signature to underside: [Barovier & Toso Murano].
literature: Art of the Barovier: Glassmakers in Murano 1866-1972, Barovier, pg. 180 Ercole Barovier 1889-1974: Vetraio Muranese, Dorigato, pg. 105

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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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