Rare Pair of “Festoni” Wall Sconces by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, 1938

An exceptional and hard-to-find pair of Murano wall sconces, designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso in the late 1930s: a rare example of sculptural lighting defined by a bold ornamental vocabulary.

The shades, executed in thick hand-blown Murano glass, are decorated with festoon motifs that enhance the movement and texture of the material. The free-blown technique, rather than mold-blown, results in subtle asymmetries, bubbles, and inner irregularities—marks of their artisanal origin. Their form recalls a blossoming corolla, alive with light and texture.

Mounted on cylindrical brass brackets, essential yet refined, the design creates a striking balance between the luminous transparency of glass and the warm patina of aged metal. With delicate Art Déco references, the brass surfaces retain a soft, even patina that enriches their timeless presence.

The glass is intact, with no chips or cracks, only minor internal imperfections consistent with hand production. The brass structures display superficial wear appropriate to age and use, without affecting function or beauty.

A rare and collectible masterpiece, a testament to Ercole Barovier’s artistry and the Murano tradition of the interwar period.