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Heavy Bookends

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Antique Art Deco Cast & Patinated Bookends Depicting a Figural Brick Fireplace
Antique Art Deco Cast & Patinated Bookends Depicting a Figural Brick Fireplace

Antique Art Deco Cast & Patinated Bookends Depicting a Figural Brick Fireplace

Located in Hamilton, Ontario

This large and heavy pair of antique bookends are unsigned, but presumed to have originated from the United States and date to approximately 1920 and done in the period Art Deco style.

Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Bookends

Materials

Steel

1960s Artic Ice Art Glass Sculpture Elephant Bookends Lars Hellsten Orrefors
1960s Artic Ice Art Glass Sculpture Elephant Bookends Lars Hellsten Orrefors

1960s Artic Ice Art Glass Sculpture Elephant Bookends Lars Hellsten Orrefors

By Lars Hellsten

Located in Hyattsville, MD

Playful sculptures/bookends. Heavy glass crystal at 8 lbs. Ea. Both pieces are signed and retain original decals.

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Bookends

Materials

Art Glass

2 Vintage Beige Onyx Cube Handmade Bookends Objects of Art Sculpture Pedestal
2 Vintage Beige Onyx Cube Handmade Bookends Objects of Art Sculpture Pedestal

2 Vintage Beige Onyx Cube Handmade Bookends Objects of Art Sculpture Pedestal

By Lella & Massimo Vignelli for Casigliani, AIREDELSUR

Located in Miami, FL

These are very substantial, heavy and well handmade bookends. They are handmade in warm natural earth colors of the Onyx Marble.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Onyx

Pair of Bill Curry Design Line Nut Bookends, Nickel Chrome, Cast Iron, Signed
Pair of Bill Curry Design Line Nut Bookends, Nickel Chrome, Cast Iron, Signed

Pair of Bill Curry Design Line Nut Bookends, Nickel Chrome, Cast Iron, Signed

By Bill Curry & Design Line

Located in New York, NY

Bill Curry for Design Line Nut Bookends, Nickel Chrome, Cast Iron, Signed. Jumbo sized, heavy eight-sided nut form bookends with real threads, finished in nickeled chrome over iron.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Pair of Antique "Maiden" Art Nouveau Bookends in the Style of Alphonse Mucha
Pair of Antique "Maiden" Art Nouveau Bookends in the Style of Alphonse Mucha

Pair of Antique "Maiden" Art Nouveau Bookends in the Style of Alphonse Mucha

By Alphonse Mucha

Located in San Diego, CA

These heavy bronze bookends with a central female face exposing a stunning golden finish, surrounded by elaborate, flowing hair and curves that mimic natural elements.

Category

Early 20th Century Czech Art Nouveau Bookends

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Bronze and Cast Iron End of the Run Indian Bookends
Pair of Bronze and Cast Iron End of the Run Indian Bookends

Pair of Bronze and Cast Iron End of the Run Indian Bookends

Located in Los Angeles, CA

These heavy iron and bronze bookends are in wonderful condition.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Adirondack Bookends

Materials

Iron

2 Italian White Carrara Marble Horse Head Shaped Animal Bookends Objects of Art
2 Italian White Carrara Marble Horse Head Shaped Animal Bookends Objects of Art

2 Italian White Carrara Marble Horse Head Shaped Animal Bookends Objects of Art

By Raymor

Located in Miami, FL

Pair of hand carved Italian white Carrara Marble bookends in the shape of a Horse Head. These are very substantial, heavy and well handmade bookends.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Marble, Carrara Marble

2 Italian Alabaster Gray Book Shaped Bookends Objects of Art Mid-Century Modern
2 Italian Alabaster Gray Book Shaped Bookends Objects of Art Mid-Century Modern

2 Italian Alabaster Gray Book Shaped Bookends Objects of Art Mid-Century Modern

By Raymor

Located in Miami, FL

Pair of hand carved Italian Alabaster Marble bookends in the shape of a single book. These are very substantial, heavy and well handmade bookends.

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Alabaster, Marble

Pair of Antique H.L. Judd Co Cast Iron Bookends Native American Indian Chief
Pair of Antique H.L. Judd Co Cast Iron Bookends Native American Indian Chief

Pair of Antique H.L. Judd Co Cast Iron Bookends Native American Indian Chief

By H.L. Judd Manufacturing Company

Located in Greer, SC

These heavy cast iron bookends are in wonderful condition considering their age.

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Arts and Crafts Bookends

Materials

Iron

Pair of MCM Forged Iron Brutalist Owl Bookends In the Style of Isamu Noguchi
Pair of MCM Forged Iron Brutalist Owl Bookends In the Style of Isamu Noguchi

Pair of MCM Forged Iron Brutalist Owl Bookends In the Style of Isamu Noguchi

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in San Diego, CA

The bookends are heavy and solid with with a great patina and original felt on the underside (with "Made in Japan" sticker).

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Iron

Pair of Vintage Large Lucite Dice
Pair of Vintage Large Lucite Dice

Pair of Vintage Large Lucite Dice

By Charles Hollis Jones

Located in Brooklyn, NY

A pair of oversized Lucite dice in the style of Charles Hollis Jones. Heavy enough to use as bookends or paperweights and striking enough to be a lovely decorative object.

Category

Late 20th Century Mid-Century Modern Bookends

Materials

Lucite

Two Heavy Southwest Kokopelli Metal Sculptures Bookends
Two Heavy Southwest Kokopelli Metal Sculptures Bookends

Two Heavy Southwest Kokopelli Metal Sculptures Bookends

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Two heavy signed Southwest Kokopelli metal sculptures.

Category

Mid-20th Century American Brutalist Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Metal

Clear Crystal & Brass Decorative Bookend –Heavy Duty Multifaceted  Modern Design
Clear Crystal & Brass Decorative Bookend –Heavy Duty Multifaceted  Modern Design

Clear Crystal & Brass Decorative Bookend –Heavy Duty Multifaceted Modern Design

By DAINTE INC

Located in Monroe, NY

Unique Multifaceted Shape – Asymmetrical and geometric design reflects and refracts light beautifully, making it a standout decor piece. Heavy-Duty Stability – Weighing 12 lbs, thes...

Category

2010s American Art Deco Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Heavy Pair Of Vintage Horse Figures, Oriental Stone, Fireside Ornament, Bookends
Heavy Pair Of Vintage Horse Figures, Oriental Stone, Fireside Ornament, Bookends

Heavy Pair Of Vintage Horse Figures, Oriental Stone, Fireside Ornament, Bookends

Located in Hele, Devon, GB

This is a heavy pair of vintage horse and groom figures. An Oriental, stone fireside ornament or bookends, dating to the late 20th century, circa 1980.

Category

Vintage 1980s Chinese Chinese Export Animal Sculptures

Materials

Stone

Piero Fornasetti Red Strumenti Musicali Music Metal Bookends
Piero Fornasetti Red Strumenti Musicali Music Metal Bookends

Piero Fornasetti Red Strumenti Musicali Music Metal Bookends

By Piero Fornasetti

Located in Downingtown, PA

These heavy, L-shaped bookends feature the classic "Strumenti Musicali" (Musical Instruments) pattern, set against a vibrant, saturated red ground.

Category

Vintage 1960s Mid-Century Modern Desk Sets

Materials

Metal

Medieval Antique Cast Bronze Mission Bell Sculpture Bookend, a Pair
Medieval Antique Cast Bronze Mission Bell Sculpture Bookend, a Pair

Medieval Antique Cast Bronze Mission Bell Sculpture Bookend, a Pair

Located in Plainview, NY

Medieval Antique Cast Bronze Mission Bell Sculpture Bookend, a Pair Bring a touch of old-world history and structural elegance to your library with this striking pair of antique-sty...

Category

Antique 1880s Medieval Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Bill Curry Design Line Threaded Nut Bookend, California Modern, 1960's
Bill Curry Design Line Threaded Nut Bookend, California Modern, 1960's

Bill Curry Design Line Threaded Nut Bookend, California Modern, 1960's

By Bill Curry & Design Line

Located in New York, NY

Bill Curry for Design Line Nut Bookend, Nickel Chrome, Cast Iron, Signed. Jumbo sized, heavy eight-sided nut form bookend with real threads, finished in nickeled chrome over iron.

Category

Vintage 1960s American Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Chrome, Iron

Vintage Hand-Carved Marble Bookends, Aztec Mayan Design, Mexico, 1950s
Vintage Hand-Carved Marble Bookends, Aztec Mayan Design, Mexico, 1950s

Vintage Hand-Carved Marble Bookends, Aztec Mayan Design, Mexico, 1950s

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Pair of vintage green and white marble Aztec Mayan stone bookends. Vintage handcrafted large heavy natural marble bookends with Aztec Mayan green head on a pyramidal form.

Category

Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Paperweights

Materials

Marble

"Sleeping Male Figure", Allegorical Bronze Bookend with Nude, Owl, Mask & Child
"Sleeping Male Figure", Allegorical Bronze Bookend with Nude, Owl, Mask & Child

"Sleeping Male Figure", Allegorical Bronze Bookend with Nude, Owl, Mask & Child

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Truly fine and extraordinary, this large and heavy bronze bookend, beautifully sculpted, cast and chased, depicts a sleeping male nude figure, his arm resting on a Classical mask, hi...

Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Scandinavian Troll Figurines Bookends in Ice Glass by Höglund & Bergdala
Vintage Scandinavian Troll Figurines Bookends in Ice Glass by Höglund & Bergdala

Vintage Scandinavian Troll Figurines Bookends in Ice Glass by Höglund & Bergdala

By Erik Höglund

Located in Esbjerg, DK

A cute couple of heavy ice glass figurines or bookends (Flat backs) The female Troll with long hair was designed by Peter Johansen and manufactured by Bergdala Glasbruk in Sweden dur...

Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Glass

1950s Japanese Owl Sculptures Brutalist Metalsmith Birds Black Iron like Noguchi
1950s Japanese Owl Sculptures Brutalist Metalsmith Birds Black Iron like Noguchi

1950s Japanese Owl Sculptures Brutalist Metalsmith Birds Black Iron like Noguchi

By Isamu Noguchi

Located in Hyattsville, MD

Designed by an unknown Japanese craftsman. A pair of heavy welded bookends, minimalist in design and creation.

Category

Vintage 1960s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Abstract Sculptures

Materials

Steel

Pair Art Nouveau Cast Iron Painted Jardinieres ~ Urns
Pair Art Nouveau Cast Iron Painted Jardinieres ~ Urns

Pair Art Nouveau Cast Iron Painted Jardinieres ~ Urns

Located in Dallas, TX

The foundry mark can be seen in the photos for those who may wish to attempt to identify the maker. Heavy enough to use as bookends, they're attractive enough to use without any fres...

Category

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Planters, Cachepots and Jardinières

Materials

Iron

Pair of 19th Century French Napoleon III Period Bronze & Brass Urns
Pair of 19th Century French Napoleon III Period Bronze & Brass Urns

Pair of 19th Century French Napoleon III Period Bronze & Brass Urns

Located in Dallas, TX

The beautiful bases transition via several forms to finally flare out with a petal motif onto the beveled black marble bases, providing both elegance and weight to the bottom for sub...

Category

Antique 1870s French Napoleon III Urns

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Brass, Bronze

19th Century Empire Bronze Chandelier with Palmetto Crown and Flame Center
19th Century Empire Bronze Chandelier with Palmetto Crown and Flame Center

19th Century Empire Bronze Chandelier with Palmetto Crown and Flame Center

Located in New Orleans, LA

Six outreaching arms are finished with bronze candle cups and detailed floriate drippers. Lastly, a heavy acanthus finial bookends the fixture at bottom Each piece in our shop is p...

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Bronze

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Heavy Bookends For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of heavy bookends for sale on 1stDibs. The range of distinct heavy bookends — often made from metal, brass and glass — can elevate any home. Heavy bookends have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century. Mid-Century Modern and Art Deco heavy bookends are consistently popular styles.

Finding the Right Bookends for You

A good pair of antique, new or vintage bookends will look wonderful in your reading nook. And the need for these trusty home accents has stood the test of time, which means there are many different kinds to suit any design taste or furniture style.

Bookends weren’t created until the 1870s. Serving faithfully in the background, they went unobserved for a while. The authors of the Oxford English Dictionary report that the term “book end” didn’t appear in printed material until 1907. The primary function of bookends is to ensure that your books remain upright in your bookcase, but style and form have taken the lead over the years. Furniture makers have ensured that bookends demand as much attention as the books themselves. Indeed, while competing with carefully curated first editions or rows of colorful spines is no small task, plenty of bookends steal the stage.

If you’re looking to add a dose of intrigue or decorative flourish to your reading room that will be difficult to ignore, stone bookends and metal bookends can take on the appearance of small, provocative sculptures rather than functional accessories to keep your books orderly on your shelves. Depending on what kind of textures you’re thinking of introducing to your home office or study, a pair of brass bookends or a bronze set will pop against your dusty hardcovers and any decorative objects you’ve accumulated while working to style your bookcase. A pair of mid-century modern bookends carved from dark, exotic woods such as teak can also introduce warmth to a home office or study. While teak was a favorite of designers who worked with furniture in the mid-20th century, all manner of wood bookends have emerged over the years, with some woodworkers carving ornate patterns or figures into their pieces.

Bookworms, take note: You can find an extraordinary range of antique, new and vintage bookends for your dazzling book displays and bookshelves today on 1stDibs.

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