Original Barovier&Toso | Product accompanied by certificate of authenticity
Angelo Barovier and the Invention of Venetian Crystal
The turning point that changed the history of European glass came in the first half of the fifteenth century: master glassmaker Angelo Barovier developed a revolutionary formula for producing a glass of extraordinary transparency and brilliance — "Venetian crystal". From that moment on, Murano became the centre of the world for glassworking, and the Barovier family its most authoritative custodians. Centuries later, the crystal still produced today retains an exclusive characteristic: it is free of lead and arsenic, with increasingly eco-sustainable colours achieved through ongoing pigment research. In 1942, the glassworks merged with the other historic Murano family of Fratelli Toso, taking on the current name of Barovier&Toso.
Ercole Barovier: 23,000 Models, a Lifetime
The moment of greatest creativity in the brand's history coincides with the long mastery of Ercole Barovier, active from 1922 to 1972 — fifty years during which he created over 23,000 glass models, often inventing from scratch glassworking techniques that renewed the entire Murano glassmaking art. An encyclopaedic output that no other master glassmaker in Murano's history has ever equalled. Today the brand is led by CEO Andrea Signoroni, who carries its vision forward with the same fidelity to tradition and contemporary research: "this long artisanal heritage has never been experienced as a limitation, but as a starting point for continuous innovation."
Bring Barovier&Toso into Your Project
Our team will guide you in selecting the Barovier&Toso chandelier, pendant light, wall lamp, floor lamp, or table lamp best suited to your space. We reserve an exclusive price and a dedicated consultation for architects, interior designers, and private clients.
The Collections: from 1295 to Contemporary Design
The Barovier&Toso catalogue is in continuous evolution — a living archive that embraces historic Venetian style and contemporary trends, with every piece handcrafted by Murano's master glassmakers:
- Venezia 1295: the chandelier collection that pays direct homage to the brand's origins — the name recalls the year Jacobello Barovier opened the first furnace. Classic Murano forms with hand-blown and hand-worked glass in pure Venetian Crystal
- Empire: historically inspired pendant chandeliers with great decorative impact, among the most sought-after by interior architects for luxury residences and hotels
- Exagon: a contemporary suspension that brings geometry into the world of blown glass, with a price point from €30,000 — a testament to the brand's absolute market positioning
- Table lamps, floor lamps, wall lamps: the full range of luxury residential lighting; vases, decorative objects, and Venetian crystal accessories complete the catalogue for those seeking stylistic coherence in every corner of their space
FAQ – Barovier&Toso: Your Questions, Our Answers
When was Barovier&Toso founded?
The Barovier family began working glass on the island of Murano in 1295, when the Republic of Venice ordered the concentration of all furnaces on the island. The current name Barovier&Toso was born in 1942, following the merger with the other historic Murano family, the Fratelli Toso. It is recognised by Unioncamere as one of the oldest family businesses still in operation in the world.
What makes Barovier&Toso glass unique?
Every piece is made in mouth-blown Venetian Crystal by Murano's master glassmakers, using a formula dating back to Angelo Barovier's invention in the fifteenth century. The crystal is free of lead and arsenic, with eco-sustainable colours achieved through ongoing research. No two pieces are identical: hand-blowing makes every lamp or chandelier a unique object.
Who has chosen Barovier&Toso for their spaces?
Barovier&Toso creations have been chosen by Louis Vuitton and Dolce&Gabbana to enhance their international showrooms. The brand regularly collaborates with leading architecture and interior design studios worldwide, and is present in the most exclusive luxury hotels and private residences.
What types of lighting does Barovier&Toso produce?
Barovier&Toso produces chandeliers (the most iconic category), pendant lights, table lamps, floor lamps, and wall lamps, as well as vases and decorative objects in Venetian crystal. The collections range from historic Venetian style — such as Venezia 1295 — to contemporary designs like Empire and Exagon, with a price range starting from a few thousand euros up to over €30,000 for large bespoke chandeliers.
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