Italian Murano Glass Bell-Flower Table Lamp Attributed to Barovier & Toso, 1940s

An Italian Murano glass table lamp attributed to Barovier & Toso from the 1940s, shaped like a delicate bell-shaped flower and distinguished by the interplay of sculpted glass and finely worked brass.

The lamp is composed of two clear glass elements, each formed with deep vertical ribbing that recalls the natural folds of flower petals. The upper shade rises into a softly rounded dome before opening into a flared, scalloped edge. Its elongated ribs follow the contours of the glass, catching and refracting light while giving the transparent surface a remarkable sense of movement. Below, a smaller, flattened glass base repeats the same petal-like treatment, creating a visual connection between the two forms.

At the center, a warm brass fitting introduces a contrasting material. A small cup-shaped element supports the shade, while two slender brass arms extend outward into symmetrical scrolls. These delicate curves suggest the curling tendrils of a plant, reinforcing the lamp’s botanical character.

The attribution to Barovier & Toso connects the piece to one of Murano’s most celebrated glassmaking traditions. Established through generations of Venetian glassmakers, the firm became particularly influential during the 20th century for its experimentation with glass techniques, sculptural forms, and decorative lighting. During the 1940s, Murano glassmakers continued to explore the relationship between traditional craftsmanship and modern design, producing objects that treated glass as both a functional material and an expressive artistic medium.

When illuminated, the lamp takes on an entirely different character. Light travels through the thick ribbed glass, creating warm reflections along each raised contour and emphasizing the undulating edges of the shade. Even when unlit, the transparency of the glass allows the brass structure to remain visible, giving the lamp a layered appearance that changes with the surrounding light.