Large 20th Century Mirrored Tray in Murano Glass and Gilded Brass attributed to the Barovier & Toso Glassworks, Italy, 1940s

Details

Description

Measurements:
height: 6.5 cm; width: 69.5 cm; depth: 46 cm; weight: 5.050 kg

item :
a monumental display or centerpiece … Read more Measurements:
height: 6.5 cm; width: 69.5 cm; depth: 46 cm; weight: 5.050 kg

item :
a monumental display or centerpiece tray in mirrored crystal, entirely hand-crafted and decorated, attributed to the pioneering design of ercole barovier for the prestigious barovier & toso factory (murano, venice), dating to the late 1940s or early 1950s. The piece is distinguished by its exceptional dimensions and impressive weight of over 5 kg, characteristics that place it among the most prestigious pieces. The mirrored surface is embellished at the center with a complex and clear neo-baroque figuration, executed using sandblasting and acid etching. It depicts a refined romantic scene with a pair of lovers in 18th-century costumes, set in a fairy garden with a monumental gushing fountain and an architectural balustrade. The entire perimeter of the tray is lined with a sumptuous and full-bodied twisted crystal cord, elaborately embellished inside with a dense inclusion of hot-melted pure gold leaf dust. These create two large "u" shapes at the top and bottom, joined by two large side handles made of finely chiseled gilded brass brackets with baroque tendril motifs, connected to the two large "u" shapes formed by the twisted cord. The back retains the original period veneered wood protective panel, which helps preserve the integrity of the mirror. Although not signed, a common practice for decorative glassware of the period, originally sealed with paper labels now lost, the object is considered an authentic masterpiece of mid-20th-century murano design, in an exceptional state of preservation.

artist and/or manufacturer information:
the barovier & toso factory represents one of the most legendary and ancient institutions of murano art glass, with family roots dating back to 1295. The company's modern structure was consolidated in 1936 (with a subsequent reorganization in 1942) through the strategic merger of vetreria artistica barovier c. And the ferro toso glassworks, uniting to create a world-leading brand in avant-garde design. The company's key figure was ercole barovier (1889-1974), an artistic mastermind and extraordinary innovator in the glassmaking industry for over fifty years. Barovier chose not to follow the path of traditional murrine (which flourished in other workshops like fratelli toso), but revolutionized the industry by patenting groundbreaking techniques such as hot coloring without fusing, rugiada and barbarici glass, and the famous torchon cords. Under his leadership, the factory exhibited regularly at the venice biennale and major world exhibitions, transforming crystal and mirror furnishings into true symbols of postwar luxury and italian savoir-faire, a tradition of excellence and innovation that the factory successfully perpetuates to this day. 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



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