Set of Three “Bullicante” Glass Wall Sconces by Barovier & Toso, 1940s

An exceptional and rare set of three Murano wall sconces designed by Ercole Barovier for Barovier & Toso, circa 1940.

Each sconce is defined by an extraordinary sculptural shade in thick, hand-blown clear crystal executed in the bullicante technique — one of the most celebrated innovations of Ercole Barovier. The glass is characterized by a controlled field of suspended air bubbles, evenly distributed within the mass of the crystal, creating a vibrant internal texture of luminous depth.

The bullicante surface is further animated by dynamic, organic modeling: each cup opens in a fluid, asymmetrical corolla, with softly undulating edges and vertical, petal-like ribs rising from the base and dissolving toward the rim. The result is almost aqueous — a frozen movement of glass — where light refracts through the bubbles and sculpted folds, producing a constantly shifting interplay of transparency, shadow and glow.

The thick crystal amplifies optical distortions and magnifies the bulbs’ warm light, transforming the interior sources into floating spheres hovering above liquid surfaces.

The glass elements rest on refined patinated brass structures, each composed of a horizontally ribbed arm and a rectangular wall plate. The metalwork, restrained and architectural, provides a disciplined counterpoint to the expressive vitality of the glass — a dialogue characteristic of Barovier’s 1940s production, where technical experimentation meets compositional rigor.

On one of the two glass shades, there is a visible correction made during the glassworking process by the master glassmaker, as shown in the last photograph. This should not be considered a defect, but rather a testimony to the artistic and artisanal nature of the piece, reflecting the handcrafted process and the uniqueness inherent to Murano glass production.

Highly collectible and visually striking, this rare trio embodies Ercole Barovier’s mastery in elevating glass from decorative medium to architectural substance.