This extraordinary vase belongs to the celebrated “Piumato” series by Barovier & Toso, produced around 1942 under the artistic direction of Ercole Barovier, among the highest expressions of material and light research in twentieth-century Murano glass.
The cylindrical body, of monumental proportions, is entirely modeled in thick transparent crystal, enriched by complex hand-shaped relief applications that develop in an ascending and fluid movement along the surface, evoking light feathers or vegetal fronds, from which the series takes its name.
The result is a masterful balance between technique and poetry, where the absolute transparency of the glass amplifies light and shadows, transforming the volume into an ethereal sculpture.
The “Piumato” represents one of the peaks of Ercole Barovier’s production, in which Murano glassmaking tradition meets the modernity of artistic language, achieving results of rare elegance and plastic strength.
Diamond-signed under the base, the vase is presented in excellent condition, with minimal signs of time consistent with its age.
A collector’s piece of exceptional rarity and historical value, a symbol of the technical and formal genius of the Barovier & Toso furnace, among the oldest and most prestigious glassworks in the world.
 
Product Name: Rare monumental Piumato vase by Barovier & Toso, 1940s
Designer: Barovier & Toso (under the direction of Ercole Barovier)
Year of Design: Circa 1942
Style: Twentieth-century Murano artistic glass, with strong material and light research
Main Materials: Thick transparent crystal, hand-modeled and hand-applied
Distinctive Design: Cylindrical body of monumental proportions, enriched with complex hand-made relief applications developing in an ascending movement evoking feathers or vegetal fronds; exceptional balance between transparency, light, and shadow
Dimensions: Height 36 cm | Diameter 16 cm
Typical Use: Collectible and decorative object, ideal as a sculptural element in high-level settings, both classic and contemporary
Design Icon: Considered one of the peaks of Ercole Barovier’s production and one of the highest expressions of twentieth-century Murano glass; symbol of the technical and formal genius of the Barovier & Toso furnace
Versatility: Perfect as a standalone sculptural piece or as a focal element in prestigious interiors; the transparency of the crystal dialogues with different lighting contexts
Current Condition of the Design: Excellent condition, diamond-signed under the base, with minimal signs of time consistent with age
Additional Notes: Please note that this object is in excellent vintage condition. Minor signs of time may be present, which do not affect its functionality. We invite you to consider these characteristics before purchase.
 
Barovier & Toso is one of the oldest and most prestigious Murano furnaces, with documented roots dating back to 1295, and is considered an absolute pillar in the history of artistic glass worldwide. The manufactory owes much of its modern fame to the innovations of Ercole Barovier, artistic director from 1920 to 1972, who revolutionized the technique and aesthetics of Murano glass through a deeply experimental language based on material research, color, texture, and transparency. From the celebrated “Piumato”, “Scavo”, “Lenti”, and “Barbarico” series to the unique pieces of the 1950s and 1960s, the furnace successfully combined centuries-old tradition with modernity, producing works now considered icons of Italian design. Still active today, Barovier & Toso continues to stand out for artisanal excellence, sculptural quality, and technical innovation, maintaining a central role in the international panorama of art glass.