Modern Paperweights
MODERN STYLE
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw sweeping social change and major scientific advances — both of which contributed to a new aesthetic: modernism. Rejecting the rigidity of Victorian artistic conventions, modernists sought a new means of expression. References to the natural world and ornate classical embellishments gave way to the sleek simplicity of the Machine Age. Architect Philip Johnson characterized the hallmarks of modernism as “machine-like simplicity, smoothness or surface [and] avoidance of ornament.”
Early practitioners of modernist design include the De Stijl (“The Style”) group, founded in the Netherlands in 1917, and the Bauhaus School, founded two years later in Germany.
Followers of both groups produced sleek, spare designs — many of which became icons of daily life in the 20th century. The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics. While Bauhaus principals Marcel Breuer and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe created furniture from mass-produced, chrome-plated steel, American visionaries like Charles and Ray Eames worked in materials as novel as molded plywood and fiberglass. Today, Breuer’s Wassily chair, Mies van der Rohe’s Barcelona chair — crafted with his romantic partner, designer Lilly Reich — and the Eames lounge chair are emblems of progressive design and vintage originals are prized cornerstones of collections.
It’s difficult to overstate the influence that modernism continues to wield over designers and architects — and equally difficult to overstate how revolutionary it was when it first appeared a century ago. But because modernist furniture designs are so simple, they can blend in seamlessly with just about any type of décor. Don’t overlook them.
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Style: Modern
Pietrina Checcacci Cast Bronze Fingers Letter Holder with Granite Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cast bronze legs letter holder by Italian-Brazilian artist Pietrina Checcacci. The small weighted object features a patinated bronze set of fingers that are separated to store envelo...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Granite, Bronze
“Revolve” No.S2 'made to order' – Contemporary Plaster Sculpture from Denmark
Located in Holte, DK
“Revolve” – No. S2.
This is made in a limited edition of only 5 pieces + 1 AP.
The five sculptures are made in five different colors, making them ...
Category
2010s Danish Modern Paperweights
Materials
Cast Stone
Set of 3 Murano Ducks
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 3 vintage hand blown Murano glass ducks infused with gold flecks, with Swarovski crystal eyes / Made in Italy, circa 1980s
"Murano Glass" etc...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Murano Glass
“Revolve” No.S5 (made to order) – Contemporary 21st-Century Sculpture
Located in Holte, DK
“Revolve” – No. S5.
This is made in a limited edition of only 5 pieces + 1 AP.
The five sculptures are made in five different colors, making them ...
Category
2010s Danish Modern Paperweights
Materials
Cast Stone
Crystal Pink Ashtray for Val Saint Lambert, Paper Weight Signed
By Guido Bon, Val Saint Lambert
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Free-blown pink and clear crystal ashtray by Val Saint Lambert.
Could be used as a vide poche or decorative desk accessories.
Hand blown beautif...
Category
Mid-20th Century Belgian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Crystal
“Revolve” No.S4 'made to order' – Contemporary Decorative Sculpture from Denmark
Located in Holte, DK
“Revolve” – No. S4.
This is made in a limited edition of only 5 pieces + 1 AP.
The five sculptures are made in five different colors, making them all truly one of a kind. The piece in the photo has been sold, but you can request your favorite color under customization. This would be made to order and numbered as No. 02/05.
The piece is made from plaster, fish glue, and pigments. It's waxed and weighs 1kg (2.2lb).
About Revolve:
The starting point of this project is rooted in Flensted Mouritzen's interest in old stucco materials and moulding techniques. It has grown into a fascination with the two-dimensional line of the running mould technique being transformed through a specifically created turning machine...
Category
2010s Danish Modern Paperweights
Materials
Cast Stone
Shocking Pink Paperweight Art Glass Egg Controlled Bubble Tapio Wirkkala Style
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Shocking pink paperweight Tapio Wirkkala style controlled bubble art glass decorative egg design signed 1990
Unable to read signature
Attributed to ...
Category
1990s Unknown Modern Paperweights
Materials
Art Glass
Small Egg Color Brown, in Glass, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
The charm of the shapes is enhanced by the material with which the collection is made: glass.
Transparency, lightness and shine meet the design, transforming into sculptured object...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Glass
Chris Buzzini Artist-Proof Orchid Flower and Roots Art Glass Paperweight
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine studio glass paperweight by Chris Buzzini.
With a lampwork orchid (including the roots).
With a signature cane to the reverse of the ro...
Category
1990s American Modern Paperweights
Materials
Art Glass
Bronze Rhinocerious Beetle Paperweight
Located in Milan, IT
Chiseled entirely by hand from bronze, the Rhinoceros Beetle Paperweight is one part quirky and one part timeless craftsmanship. Perfect for a traditional office, the piece ensures b...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Brass
“Revolve” No. S7 Green, Contemporary Handmade Scagliola Sculpture 'no. 01/05'
Located in Holte, DK
“Revolve”, No. S7 in Green (no. 01/05)
This is made in a limited edition of only 5 pieces + 1 AP
The five sculptures are made in five different colors, making them all truly one of a kind. You can buy this unique piece or request your favorite color under customization.
The piece is made from plaster, fish glue, and pigments. It's waxed and weighs 3kg (6.6 lb).
About revolve:
The starting point of this project is rooted in Flensted Mouritzen's interest in old stucco materials and moulding techniques. It has grown into a fascination with the two-dimensional line of the running mould technique being transformed through a specifically created turning machine...
Category
2010s Danish Modern Paperweights
Materials
Cast Stone
Pietrina Checcacci Cast Bronze Finger Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cast bronze finger by Italian-Brazilian artist Pietrina Checcacci. The small weighted object features a bronze finger in a curved position with the tip f...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Bronze
Italian Onyx Marble Desk Paperweight Decorative Object, 1970s
Located in New York, NY
A chic 1970s modern Italian geometric onyx marble desk paperweight or decorative object sculpture piece, circa 1970s, Italy. Piece is multicolored in white and neutral hues. A great piece for a desk, table, credenza, etc. Dimensions: 2" x 2.13"
Pen/pencil holder in image #3, search 1stdibs ID#: LU1314218067801 (SOLD.)
Ashtray shown (SOLD.)
Picasso book...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Paperweights
Materials
Onyx, Marble
Eight French Decorative Glass Desk Paperweights
Located in London, GB
These beautiful paperweights were created in France in the 20th century. Glass paperweights began to be widely collected in the mid-19th century, after they were showcased at the Int...
Category
20th Century French Modern Paperweights
Materials
Glass
Stunning Signed Lockdown 2020 Large Artist Sculpture Very Rare Collectable Piece
Located in GB
We are delighted to offer for this lovely one of a kind “Lockdown 2020” brass artists sculpture
Please note the delivery fee listed is just a guide, it covers within the M25 only ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary British Modern Paperweights
Materials
Brass
Pietrina Checcacci Cast Bronze Thumbs Letter Holder
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cast bronze thumbs letter holder by Italian-Brazilian artist Pietrina Checcacci. The small weighted object features a patinated bronze pair of opposing thumbs that are separated to s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Bronze
Shell Sculpture Paperweight by Mikasa
By Mikasa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Intricate hand blown glass shell sculpture with silver specks / Made in Japan by Kurata for retailer Mikasa, circa 1980s
Original sticker on the base
...
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Modern Paperweights
Materials
Blown Glass
Agate Onyx Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns
Measures: diameter 4 inches, height 2 inches
1 in stock in Palm Springs ON 50% OFF SALE...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Stone
Fabien Barrero Carsenat Arch Paperweights in Bronze
Located in Paris, FR
Arch paperweights made in bronze by Fabien Barrero Carsenat.
Dimensions : 1.77" x 1.6" x 0.98"
A "Certificate of Authenticity" is provided by the gallery.
After studying visual co...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Paperweights
Materials
Bronze
Agate Onyx Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns
Measures: length 4.25 inches, width 3.25 inches, height 2 inches
1 in stock in Palm Spr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Stone
Glass Egg Marble Effect Color Brown, in Glass, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
The charm of the shapes is enhanced by the material with which the collection is made: glass.
Transparency, lightness and shine meet the design, transforming into sculptured object...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Glass
Crystal Egg Color Gray, in Glass, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
The charm of the shapes is enhanced by the material with which the collection is made: glass.
Transparency, lightness and shine meet the design, transforming into sculptured object...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Glass
Crystal Egg Color Metallic Brown, in Glass, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
The charm of the shapes is enhanced by the material with which the collection is made: glass.
Transparency, lightness and shine meet the design, transforming into sculptured object...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Glass
Crystal Egg Color White, in Glass, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
The charm of the shapes is enhanced by the material with which the collection is made: glass.
Transparency, lightness and shine meet the design, transforming into sculptured object...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Glass
Agate Onyx Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns
Measures: length 5 inches, width 4 inches, height 2.25 inch
1 in stock in Palm Springs ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Stone
Agate Onyx Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns
Measures: length 4.75 inches, width 4.25 inches, height 2 inches
1 in stock in Palm Spr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Stone
Agate Onyx Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns
Measures: length 4 inches, width 3 inches, height 2 inches
1 in stock in Palm Springs O...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Stone
Agate Onyx Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns
Measures: length 4.5 inches, width 3.5 inches, height 2 inches
1 in stock in Palm Sprin...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Stone
Agate Onyx Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns
Measures: length 5 inches, width 2.75 inches, height 1.25 inches
1 in stock in Palm Spr...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Stone
Agate Onyx Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns
Measures: length 5 inches, width 4.5 inches, height 1 inch
1 in stock in Palm Springs O...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Stone
Small Egg Color Black and White, in Glass, Italy
Located in Treviso, Treviso
The charm of the shapes is enhanced by the material with which the collection is made: glass.
Transparency, lightness and shine meet the design, transforming into sculptured object...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Glass
Mid-Century Modern Baseball Paperweight by Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This refined Mid-Century Modern baseball paperweight- executed in translucent crystal- represents the simple elegance of Tiffany & Co. at its finest. Since its founding in 1837, Tiff...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Paperweights
Materials
Crystal
Randall Grubb Flat Flower Bouquet Glass Paperweight with a Millefiori Garland
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine, signed lampwork paperweight by Randall Grubb.
With a flat floral bouquet surrounded by a millefiori ring or garland.
With a G signat...
Category
1990s American Modern Paperweights
Materials
Art Glass
Set of Three Unique Pieces Hand Painted Sicilian Terracotta Decorative Spheres
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Three spheres made in Sicily, in the small town of Caltagirone, world famous for handcrafted ceramics. They are especially made for our store and are unique pieces. Measures: Diamete...
Category
2010s Sicilian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Terracotta
Gucci Desk Paperweight
By Gucci
Located in Munich, DE
Gucci desk paperweight from the 1980s, this elegant piece is based on an anthrazite metal base and an acrylic stand, attributed to Tom Ford.
Category
1990s Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Metal
Vintage Gucci Note Pad Holder and Desk Accessory
By Gucci
Located in North Miami, FL
This wonderful vintage Italian signed Gucci note pad holder has wood backing with flip topnote holder and the iconic logo fabric Gucci symbols as the f...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Paperweights
Materials
Chrome
Trio of Lucite Sculptures Signed & Dated
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fantastic trio of Lucite sculptures with geometric shapes designed and manufactured by a Los Angeles artist and signed "Henry" 2017.
The pieces are beautifully executed, the inlaid ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Paperweights
Materials
Lucite
Clear Modern Sculptural Glass Object Sculpture or Paperweight Table Decor
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Modern sculptural glass object. Very heavy. The base is a rounded hexagon shape and very solid. Solid short blunt glass rods protrude from the base. A beautiful sculptural piece to a...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Paperweights
Materials
Glass, Blown Glass
1980s Baccarat French Bunny Rabbit Paperweight Crystal Sculpture
By Baccarat
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Precious 1980s France Baccarat bunny rabbit paperweight sculpture
French crystal glass
approximately 3.25 H 2 W 3 D.
Signed Baccarat
Preowned original ...
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Paperweights
Materials
Crystal
Limited Edition Cast Sculpture in Bronze or Brass, Constantin by Costantini
By Costantini
Located in New York, NY
Constanti, a Limited Edition series of cast Bronze, Brass or Leaded Bronze in Polished, Brushed or Rustic finish by Costantini founder William Stuart in homage to Brancusi.
Each p...
Category
2010s Argentine Modern Paperweights
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Villeroy and Boch Crystal Votive Candle Holders Set of 4
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Villeroy and Boch Made in Germany New Wave Crystal Votive candle holders.
This is a gorgeous contemporary votive candle holder by Viller...
Category
20th Century German Modern Paperweights
Materials
Crystal
Paul Stankard Faceted Art Glass Paperweight with Lampwork Forget-Me-Not Flowers
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Paul Stankard glass faceted paperweight.
With lampwork forget-me-not flowers in blues and yellows with green stems and leaves.
Bearing...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Paperweights
Materials
Art Glass
Modern paperweights for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Modern paperweights for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage paperweights created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with glass, stone and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Modern paperweights made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and Italy pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original paperweights, popular names associated with this style include Paola Valle, Flensted Mouritzen, VG design and laboratory department, and Caithness Scotland. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for paperweights differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $53 and tops out at $3,500 while the average work can sell for $343.
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