Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso Pair of Murano Glass Wall Sconces, 1940s

A rare and poetic pair of wall sconces designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso in the early 1940s.

The sculptural glass elements are executed in Murano “vetro costolato a rilievo” — a thick, hand-moulded ribbed glass, shaped here in an elegant shell-like form. The surface is deeply worked, with a rhythmic relief that captures and refracts light, creating a soft, aquatic glow reminiscent of moonlight filtered through water.

Each glass diffuser rests on a solid brass structure, now enriched by a beautifully aged natural patina. The brass shows honest signs of time, enhancing the depth and character of the piece without compromising its integrity. The glass elements are in excellent condition, with no cracks and only minimal production irregularities consistent with hand-crafted Murano work of the period.

When illuminated, the ribbed glass transforms the light into a warm, enveloping presence — architectural yet sensual, restrained yet unmistakably expressive. The proportions are balanced and elegant, making these sconces ideal both as functional lighting and as sculptural wall elements.

Perfectly suited for refined interiors: flanking a fireplace in a living room, framing a mirror in a bathroom, or accenting a corridor with discreet sophistication.

An exceptional example of Italian glass artistry from one of Murano’s most influential figures.