Italian Murano Glass Pendant Attributed to Barovier & Toso, 1940s - 2 Available

An Italian Murano glass pendant from the 1940s, attributed to Barovier & Toso, distinguished by its broad, shallow bowl and the delicate texture of its pulegoso glass.

The pendant is built around a generously proportioned glass shade, its wide, gently flared rim curving inward toward a rounded base. At the center, a small brass finial anchors the composition, providing a warm metallic accent beneath the expansive glass bowl.

The glass is worked in the pulegoso technique, a distinctive Murano method in which small air bubbles are incorporated into the molten glass to create a textured, almost effervescent appearance. Here, the bubbles appear as a repeating constellation of small oval impressions across the surface, varying subtly in size and spacing as they follow the curvature of the shade. The technique gives the glass depth and movement, allowing it to catch and diffuse light in a way that smooth glass cannot.

Above the shade, a thick cylindrical glass stem introduces a second treatment of the material. Its twisted, textured surface surrounds the central metal support, creating an interplay between transparency, reflection, and the darker tones of the underlying structure. A matching shallow glass ceiling canopy repeats the bubble pattern of the main shade, an especially thoughtful detail that gives the fixture a sense of continuity from ceiling to bowl. Small brass fittings provide subtle transitions between the glass elements.

The attribution to Barovier & Toso places the pendant within one of Murano's most celebrated glassmaking traditions. The historic Venetian firm became particularly influential during the early 20th century through its experimentation with glass textures, color, and decorative techniques. Ercole Barovier, in particular, helped advance the artistic possibilities of Murano glass, treating the material as something capable of carrying ornament within its very structure rather than relying solely on applied decoration.

When illuminated, two bulbs positioned within the bowl produce a warm, diffused glow, emphasizing the scattered bubbles across its surface. The shallow profile distributes light across a broad area while maintaining a relatively open silhouette, making the pendant particularly suited to a dining room, entryway, or space where its sculptural form can be appreciated from below.

Sold and priced individually.

About Barovier & Toso
The Barovier dynasty traces its roots to 1295, when Jacobello Barovier, a master glassblower, began transforming molten sand and minerals into incandescent works of art.

For centuries, the family maintained its legacy, crafting exquisite glass pieces until the mid-20th century, when it merged with another renowned glassworks to become Barovier & Toso. This evolution reflects a commitment to artistry and tradition that endures to this day.