Pair of Monumental “Bullicante” Murano Glass Wall Lights by Ercole Barovier, 40s

A rare and exceptionally sculptural pair of large-scale Murano glass wall sconces designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso during the 1940s. These remarkable fixtures embody the poetic elegance and technical mastery that established Barovier as one of the leading innovators of twentieth-century Venetian glassmaking.

Each sconce is composed of a substantial hand-blown Bullicante glass shade, executed in thick transparent crystal with an abundance of precisely controlled air inclusions suspended throughout the glass mass. The resulting surface creates a mesmerizing interplay of light and texture, while simultaneously demonstrating the extraordinary craftsmanship for which the Barovier furnace became internationally celebrated.

The shades take the form of elongated, flaring flower cups or stylized blossoms, opening gracefully upward with a softly undulating scalloped rim. Their organic silhouette is further enhanced by deeply molded vertical ribs that rise from the base toward the rim, giving the glass a sense of movement and architectural rhythm.

When illuminated, the thick Murano glass comes alive, refracting and diffusing the light through hundreds of trapped bubbles, producing a warm, atmospheric glow and spectacular luminous reflections on the surrounding wall. The effect is both decorative and highly sculptural, transforming the sconces into illuminated works of art.

The shades are mounted on elegant patinated brass wall supports featuring Ercole Barovier’s characteristic streamlined geometric detailing. The contrast between the warm brass and the crystalline transparency of the glass contributes to the sophisticated balance of modernity and Venetian tradition that defines the designer’s finest work.

Their generous scale, uncommon model and outstanding visual presence make this pair particularly suitable for prestigious residential interiors, boutique hospitality projects or important design collections focused on Italian mid-century lighting.