Pair of Spiral-Glass Wall Sconces by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, 1940s

A remarkably elegant Art Decò pair of 1940s wall sconces by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, showcasing the refined mastery of Venetian glass in its most poetic form. These pieces are an ode to movement and light: each shade is hand-blown into a sumptuous spiral form, creating a dynamic interplay of reflections that shift as you walk around them. The glass appears almost alive — rippling, twisting, and refracting light in a way only Barovier’s highest-level craftsmanship can achieve.

Set on original brass mounts with a deep, naturally aged patina, the contrast between the sculpted transparency of the glass and the warm metal tones is both timeless and deeply atmospheric. The patina tells the story of eight decades of life, adding depth and authenticity without compromising stability or refinement.

Recently rewired by our professional for safe, immediate use, the sconces retain all their original components, proportions, and character. Their presence on the wall is generous yet exquisitely balanced — the spiral cups project outward like luminous shells, each one casting soft, dancing rays across the surface behind it. The effect is subtle, luxurious, and undeniably architectural.

True to the great Barovier tradition, the thickness and clarity of the glass are extraordinary: dense, radiant, and full of visual texture. As light travels through the spirals, the sconces create an ever-changing pattern — a choreography of shadows and highlights that transforms any interior into a more intimate, elevated space.