Sculptural Murano Glass Bullicante Wall Sconce from Barovier & Toso, 1940s

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An exceptional and rare Murano wall sconce designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, circa 1940. The piece is … Read more An exceptional and rare Murano wall sconce designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, circa 1940. The piece is defined by an extraordinary sculptural shade in thick, hand-blown clear crystal executed in the bullicante technique — one of the most celebrated innovations of Ercole Barovier. The glass is characterized by a controlled field of suspended air bubbles, evenly distributed within the mass of the crystal, creating a vibrant internal texture of luminous depth. Here, the bullicante surface is further animated by a dynamic, organic modeling: the cup opens in a fluid, asymmetrical corolla, with softly undulating edges and vertical, petal-like ribs that rise from the base and dissolve toward the rim. The result is almost aqueous — a frozen movement of glass, where light refracts through the bubbles and sculpted folds, producing a constantly shifting interplay of transparency, shadow and glow. The thick crystal amplifies the optical distortions and magnifies the bulb’s warm light, transforming the interior source into a floating sphere hovering above a liquid surface. The glass rests on a refined patinated brass structure, composed of a horizontally ribbed arm and a rectangular wall plate. The metalwork, restrained and architectural, provides a disciplined counterpoint to the expressive vitality of the glass — a dialogue characteristic of Barovier’s 1940s production, where technical experimentation meets compositional rigor. A highly collectible and sculptural lighting element, emblematic of Ercole Barovier’s mastery in elevating glass from decorative medium to architectural substance. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



issues arising from misattribution,
Up to 250V (Europe/UK Standard).The wiring of this item may be original and might need replacement, if not specified otherwise. See less