Description
This 1940s Italian chandelier, attributed to the legendary Venetian glasshouse Barovier & Toso, perfectly captures the transition from late Art Deco opulence to the clean, sculptural elegance of early mid-century Italian design. Featuring a brilliant interplay of textured light and amber-accented glass, it stands as a shining testament to the technical innovations pioneered by design director Ercole Barovier.
In the late 1930s and 1940s, Ercole Barovier revolutionized Murano lighting by using ancient, labor-intensive techniques that cannot be replicated by modern, mass-produced methods. He left behind an unmistakable design DNA embodied in all his creations.
The central lower basin, upper crown, and four socket cups are heavily paved in Graniglia Sottile, which is an extra-fine glass frit. Hot, molten glass gathers were rolled over tiny glass particles to create a glittering, diamond-dusted surface. Patented by Barovier as the Rugiada, or Dew, technique, it was designed to catch and diffuse electric light, mimicking the shimmering effect of morning dew.
In beautiful contrast, the central vertical stem column and the four elegantly sweeping arms feature a flawless Rigadin Ritorto, also known as Rigadin Torse, spiral-ribbed motif. The glass artisan pulled the molten glass through a star-shaped bronze mold before masterfully twisting the hot gather to form seamless, light-bending ribbons. The rims of the shades and the heavy vertical ribs of the finial feature meticulously applied Cordonato trim executed in a warm, translucent amber glass, adding rich architectural definition and a subtle pop of color when illuminated.
Finding a Murano Chandelier from this specific era with all original components is increasingly rare. The organic, subtle variances in the thickness of the glass and the sizing of the cups are the proud fingerprints of authentic, hand-blown Murano art glass that make this a premier acquisition for discerning designers and collectors alike.
Dimensions without canopy and chain: H=29 in. W=23 in. D=23 in. 10 lbs.
