Design Masterworks 
19 May 2016
Design Masterworks 
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Ercole Barovier

Rare Tessere Policrome vase

Barovier & Toso
Italy, c. 1964
policrome glass tessere 6¾ h × 6¼ dia in (17 × 16 cm)
estimate: $30,000–50,000
result: $40,000
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This vase is part of a rare series in which only two other examples are known.
Signed with partially applied paper manufacturer's label to underside: [Barovier & Toso Murano 12 Made in Italy].
provenance: An Important American Collection
literature: Venetian Art Glass: An American Collection 1840-1970, Barovier, pg. 170 illustrates this example Ercole Barovier 1888-1974: Vetraio Muranese, Dorigato, pg. 118 illustrates other examples from series

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Tessere Policrome

One-Off Rarity

(Photograph reproduced from Ercole Barovier 1888-1974: Vetraio Muranese by Attilia Dorigato, 1989, Marsilio Editori)

Both eccentric and highly refined, the vibrant colors, complex patterning and one-off rarity of the tessere policrome make them distinctive artistic statements by a master designer at the height of his powers. This spherical vase along with the vessel and shallow plate pictured above are the only known examples of this model.

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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