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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 chaircrafted 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
Albert Paley 1994 "Medallion" Paperweight in Blackened Steel with Bronzed Patina
Located in Bainbridge, NY
Albert Paley large handcrafted steel medallion paperweight. Small edition for Arts Patrons. Formed and fabricated blackened steel with chemical patina...
Category

1990s American Modern Paperweights

Materials

Iron

Brass Dice
Located in Paonia, CO
The (wh)ORE HAüS STUDIOS small goods collection was made for those that wanted to experience the (wh)ORE HAüS brand without committing to our larger pieces. The brass dice are made o...
Category

2010s American Modern Paperweights

Materials

Brass

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Pearl Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Geometric sculpture made in polished resin in variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. This sculpture is very versatile and fun! You can cr...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Paperweights

Materials

Resin

Limited Edition Cast Sculpture in Bronze or Brass, Constantin 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

Set of 3 Trays. From The Tempera series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Set of 3 Trays, 2023 From The Tempera series Material: Duck egg yolk, binder Overall size: 19.5 Diameter x 15 H (cm) Individual Dimensions: 19.5 Diameter x 5 H (cm) Weight: avg. 1kg...
Category

2010s North Korean Modern Paperweights

Materials

Shell

Paul Ysart Poinsettia on a Pink & White Latticino Ground Glass Paperweight
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Paul Ysart glass paperweight. It has a slightly off-center poinsettia flower on a pink and white latticinio ground. It has an H cane for Harland Glass Studios below the flow...
Category

20th Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass

Modernist Crystal Art Glass World Ball Healing Sphere
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Modernist Crystal World Ball Healing Sphere Art Glass 4 diameter Preowned vintage condition See all images.
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Crystal

1980s Waterford Crystal Lucky Irish Shamrock Paperweight
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1980s stunning Waterford crystal glass lucky Irish Shamrock paperweight. Maker stamped Waterford made in Ireland. Preowned very good vintage...
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Paperweights

Materials

Crystal

1980s Baccarat French Bunny Rabbit Paperweight Crystal Sculpture
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

Vintage Villeroy & Boch Clear Glass Panda Bear Paperweight
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This vintage Villeroy & Boch paperweight features a delightful sitting panda bear design. The clear glass material is cut-to-clear and gives the paperweight a charming cuddly appearance. This modern original is a perfect addition to any collection of decorative pottery and glassware, and would make a lovely gift for anyone who loves bears...
Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass

Set of 2 MOLE / Candy / Kobalt paperweight by Malwina Konopacka
Located in WARSZAWA, PL
MOLE is a paperweght designed by Malwina Konopacka in collabo with I Believe In Paper – polish, paper brand. This small object, featuring Malwina Konopacka's characteristic color com...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paperweights

Materials

Clay

Vintage Murano Glass Dove Bird Paperweight, Italy 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This vintage murano glass paperweight features a delightful sitting bird design. The clear and blue glass gives the paperweight a cha...
Category

1980s German Vintage Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass

Set of 2 MOLE / Moss / Kobalt paperweights by Malwina Konopacka
Located in WARSZAWA, PL
MOLE is a paperweght designed by Malwina Konopacka in collabo with I Believe In Paper – polish, paper brand. This small object, featuring Malwina Konopacka's characteristic color com...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paperweights

Materials

Clay

Postmodern Glass Cube Paperweight, 1980's
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Postmodern Glass Cube Paperweight, 1980's
Category

20th Century American Modern Paperweights

Materials

Glass

Yellow Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This Geometric sculpture is handmade in polished resin in a variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. Our Se...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Paperweights

Materials

Resin

White Bookend Mould Project by Theodora Alfredsdottir
Located in Geneve, CH
White bookend Mould project by Theodora Alfredsdottir Unique Materials: Jesmonite Dimensions: 110 x 80 x 180mm Theodora Alfredsdottir is a product...
Category

2010s English Modern Paperweights

Materials

Cement

Snow Globe Black White Chanel Number 5
Located in Munich, DE
Rare limited edition of a Chanel Snow Ball with white bags on a white base, which are only for VIP Customers in excellent condition and with the original bo...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Paperweights

Materials

Plastic, Acrylic

LOUIS VUITTON Cube Paperweight LOUIS VUITTON Monogram Crystal Paper Weight
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This LOUIS VUITTON Cube is made up crystal. The faces represent the monogram of the brand. Collector's item that can also be used as a paperweight on your desktop. VIP gift dating from 2000 from Louis Vuitton Hong Kong date 2000. This LOUIS VUITTON Paperweight...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Paperweights

Materials

Crystal

BACCARAT Clear Crystal Cube Paperweight 1980s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
BACCARAT Clear Crystal Cube Paperweight. Vintage Baccarat Crystal Glass Sculptural Paperweight or Desk Accessory. From the French luxury crystal Maison Baccarat, a beautiful clear transparent cube paperweight or decorative object. Acid stamped marked "Baccarat France", cube shaped crystal paperweight with rounded edges. This fabulous heavy crystal art glass vintage signed Baccarat paperweight is sculptural and makes a great desk accessory. It is from the 1980s. Tres chic! Sorry the photos do not do justice to the beauty of this Baccarat crystal paperweight...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Paperweights

Materials

Crystal

Christofle's 'The Hand of Destiny': Silver Palm Reading Paperweight and Booklet
Located in North Miami, FL
Christofle's 'The Hand of Destiny' package: silver palm reading paperweight and accompanying booklet (plus letter of dedication) By: Christofle Material: silver, silver plate, sheet...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Paperweights

Materials

Silver, Silver Plate, Metal, Sheet Metal

Blue Art Glass Ball Sphere Paperweight Decorative Object Signed
Located in New York, NY
A substantial blue art glass ball sphere paperweight or decorative object with bubble design, signed by artist, 2021. A beautiful ball sphere paperw...
Category

2010s American Modern Paperweights

Materials

Blown Glass, Art Glass

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Strawberry Pink Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Geometric sculpture made in polished resin in variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. This sculpture is very versatile and fun! You can ...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Paperweights

Materials

Resin

Lucite Dice Decorative Objects, Pair/Set
Located in New York, NY
A pair/set of Lucite dice decorative objects, in the Modern style, circa late-20th century. A great set for a desk, bookshelf, coffee/cocktail table, etc. Dimensions: 2.44" Square ...
Category

1970s Vintage Modern Paperweights

Materials

Lucite

MOLE / Candy paperweight by Malwina Konopacka
Located in WARSZAWA, PL
The MOLE paperweight was created in collaboration with the I Believe In Paper. This small object, featuring Malwina Konopacka's characteristic color combinations, is perfect as a cas...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paperweights

Materials

Clay

Mole Paperweight by Malwina Konopacka
Located in WARSZAWA, PL
MOLE is a paperweght designed by Malwina Konopacka in collabo with I Believe In Paper – polish, paper brand. This small object, featuring Malwina Konopacka's characteristic color com...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paperweights

Materials

Clay

Vintage Signed Arthur Court Bronze Dog Puppies Paperweight Desk Accessory
Located in North Miami, FL
This delightful and charming vintage signed bronze paperweight sculpture are of 6 connecting puppy dogs linked together in different positions. It is hallmarked Arthur Court Designs ...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paperweights

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Art Glass Bird by Oiva Toikka for Nuutajarvi
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
A lovely art glass bird, made by Nuutajärvi Notsjõ, designed by Oiva Taikko. This bird has a beautiful composition of colors. Signed on the bottom an...
Category

1980s Finnish Vintage Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass

Signed Glass Abstract Paperweight Red, Black, Orange, Gold, White For Desk
Located in North Miami, FL
This abstract art glass artisan paperweight is signed in cursive on the underside N Laso. It has bars of glass sticks in rows of red, black and white, orange copper rust and a gold small bat...
Category

1990s American Modern Paperweights

Materials

Gold

CAITHNESS - High Seas - Blue Swirl Glass Paperweight - U.K. - Late 20th Century
Located in Chatham, ON
CAITHNESS (Manufacturer) - High Seas (Collection) - H87830 (Identification Number) - Vintage art glass paperweight - striking design - si...
Category

Late 20th Century Scottish Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Black Pearl Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Geometric sculpture made in polished resin in variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. This sculpture is very versatile and fun! You can ...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Paperweights

Materials

Resin

Gold Plated Boy Holding a Large Jade Sphere on a Carrara Marble Base
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A square Carrara Marble base with a Gold Plated child holding a large Jade Sphere. The piece is unique and different - a compliment to many spaces. Works well on a desk or work sta...
Category

20th Century European Modern Paperweights

Materials

Carrara Marble

Set of 2 Brass Luna Paper Weights by Stem Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Brass Luna Paper Weights by Stem Design Dimensions: Ø 8 x H 3 cm. Materials: Brass. Finish: Tumbled and burnished. Weight: 0,5 kg (each.) Finished and assembled by hand in India. Also available in aluminum. Please contact us. Sand-cast in solid metal, the Luna paperweight is a minimal object with a strong character. Surface pitting and production marks developed through the casting process are left untreated to retain the material’s richness, to allow for a more profound interaction. Luna has a timeless ornamental quality that is both decorative and functional. The objects layers on as a metaphor and showcases the beauty of being who you are. It strips off all the layers of ornamentation and artificial finishes to build an immediate and intuitive connection with the product that lasts a lifetime. Stem is a contemporary Indian product...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Paperweights

Materials

Brass

Italy Modern Design Black Faceted Crystal Table Lighter Contemporary Production
Located in Brescia, IT
This elegant table lighter designed with a shape that evoques the Mid-Century Italian style. A pattern of this design that we can find in the production of architect Paolo Buffa furn...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paperweights

Materials

Crystal

Set of 2 Aluminum Luna Paper Weights by Stem Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Aluminum Luna Paper Weights by Stem Design Dimensions: Ø 8 x H 3 cm. Materials: Aluminum. Finish: Tumbled and burnished. Weight: 0,3 kg (each.) Finished and assembled by hand in India. Also available in Brass. Please contact us. Sand-cast in solid metal, the Luna paperweight is a minimal object with a strong character. Surface pitting and production marks developed through the casting process are left untreated to retain the material’s richness, to allow for a more profound interaction. Luna has a timeless ornamental quality that is both decorative and functional. The objects layers on as a metaphor and showcases the beauty of being who you are. It strips off all the layers of ornamentation and artificial finishes to build an immediate and intuitive connection with the product that lasts a lifetime. Stem is a contemporary Indian product...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Paperweights

Materials

Aluminum

Teign Valley Glass English Sculptural Art Glass Paperweight
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual sculptural form English art glass paperweight made by Teign Valley Glass in Devon dating from the latter 20th or early 21st century. Foun...
Category

20th Century English Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass

Vintage Industrial Anvil, 20th Century
Located in New York City, NY
Small, playful vintage Industrial anvil.
Category

20th Century American Modern Paperweights

Materials

Brass, Metal

Emerald Green Art Glass Ball Sphere Paperweight Decorative Object
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Emerald green art glass ball sphere, in the modern style, with a tropical grass or palm-like design, circa late-20th century. Piece is a ...
Category

Late 20th Century Scandinavian Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

MOLE / Moss paperweight by Malwina Konopacka
Located in WARSZAWA, PL
MOLE is a paperweght designed by Malwina Konopacka in collabo with I Believe In Paper – polish, paper brand. This small object, featuring Malwina Konopacka's characteristic color com...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paperweights

Materials

Clay

Large Cut Crystal Multi-Faceted Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A large and weighty crystal ball - cut crystal is brilliantly multi-faceted, The piece reflects light from every angle - also works well as a bookend or sit alone sculpture. Due t...
Category

20th Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Cut Glass

Robert Indiana Brushed Aluminum Red Love Paperweight Sculpture Desk Accessory
Located in North Miami, FL
This very rare rendition and small edition of the vintage Robert Indiana love paperweight sculpture is rarely seen version in red brushed aluminum. This may have only been a very sma...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paperweights

Materials

Aluminum

Lucite Abstract Geometric Table Top Sculpture / Paperweight, 1980's
Located in Costa Mesa, CA
Lucite abstract Geometric table top sculpture / Paperweight, 1980's.
Category

20th Century American Modern Paperweights

Materials

Lucite

Vintage Brass Anchor Paperweight
Located in Elkhart, IN
A beautiful brass anchor paperweight Circa 1980s Measures: 9"W x 5.75"D x 7"H. Very good original vintage condition.
Category

1980s Vintage Modern Paperweights

Materials

Brass

Italian Modern Alabaster Marble Sphere or Paperweight in Green and Black
Located in New York, NY
A small green, black and white alabaster marble decorative object sphere or paperweight, '70 Modern, circa 1970s, Italy. A great decorative object or paperweight for an office, desk,...
Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Paperweights

Materials

Alabaster, Marble

Bronze Fire Hydrant Wrench by Jones
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cast bronze five hole fire hydrant wrench by Jones, USA. This piece can used for its original intention or for decorative purposes. Due to its weight it would be a perfect office pap...
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Paperweights

Materials

Bronze

RYBKA - Vintage Carved Studio Glass Paperweight - Signed - Circa 2003
Located in Chatham, ON
RYBKA - Vintage carved studio glass paperweight with inclusions - artist signed and dated - circa 2003. Excellent vintage condition - no loss - no damage - no restoration - minor ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass

“Revolve” No.S3 'made to order' - Contemporary Handmade Stucco Sculpture
Located in Holte, DK
“Revolve” – No. S3 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 tru...
Category

2010s Danish Modern Paperweights

Materials

Cast Stone

Edward Kachurik Glass Paperweight for Pa Art
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Orb shaped paperweight by glass artist Edward Kachurik in pink and blue. Signed "PA Art 1994" with a stylized "94" etched into underside. Artist: Edward Kachurik Year: 1994 ...
Category

1990s American Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass

Peach Bookend Mould Project by Theodora Alfredsdottir
Located in Geneve, CH
Peach bookend mould project by Theodora Alfredsdottir. Unique Materials: Jesmonite Dimensions: 110 x 80 x 180mm. Theodora Alfredsdottir is a product design studio based in Lond...
Category

2010s English Modern Paperweights

Materials

Cement

Vintage Studio Glass Rabbit Figure Paper Weight, Russia, circa 1980s
Located in Chatham, ON
Vintage glass rabbit figure paper weight - unidentified maker with original labels attached to the base - Russia - circa 1980s. Excellent vint...
Category

Late 20th Century Russian Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass

Small Modern Spinning Sculpture in Turquoise Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This modern geometric sculptures will add a touch of color to any space, you can place them on top of books on your coffee table or even as a centerpiece. The possibilities are endle...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Paperweights

Materials

Resin

Large Modern Spinning Sculpture in Turquoise Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This modern geometric sculptures will add a touch of color to any space, you can place them on top of books on your coffee table or even as a centerpiece. The possibilities are endle...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Paperweights

Materials

Resin

21st Century Minimalist Paperweight in Portuguese Green Marble "Verde Viana"
Located in Nelas, PT
S.Voxel - 21st century modern Portuguese "Verde Viana" marble paperweight S.voxelexplores the importance of object scaling and user experience. Voxels coffee tables and side table...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Paperweights

Materials

Marble

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Tangerine Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Geometric sculpture made in polished resin in variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. This sculpture is very versatile and fun! You can ...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Paperweights

Materials

Resin

Caithness Glass Ascension Paperweight by Alastair Macintosh Scotland, Circa 1980s
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a beautiful Caithness glass paperweight named "Ascension", designed by Alastair Macintosh and dating to the last quarter of the 20th century. The paperweight has a cone, egg shaped form, having colours including blue swirl with orange net to the centre and medium bubble and smaller controlled bubbles, making a very distinctive design. The Caithness Glass Company began making paperweights circa 1962 Paul Ysart,Colin Terriss,Alistair Macintosh,Margot Thomson Inns Burn where some of Caithness makers designers of Caithness glass paperweights. The makers mark is etched to the base with CAITHNESS ASCENSION SCOTLAND and a scratched edition number alongside as per the images. This paperweight weighs about 500 gram. Caithness glass The company was founded in 1961 by Robin Sinclair and initially only made bowls, vases and drinking glasses. After Paul Ysart joined the company a year later, that paved the weigh for Paperweight production, with regular factory production starting in the late 1960s. In 1974 the first millefiori and lampwork paperweights...
Category

20th Century Scottish Modern Paperweights

Materials

Blown Glass

Horn 1 Sculpture by Fakasaka Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Horn 1 sculpture by Fakasaka Design Dimensions: W 8 cm D 6 cm H 7 cm Materials: polished bronze. Horn 1 Paper weight / sculpture FAKASAKA is a de...
Category

2010s Brazilian Modern Paperweights

Materials

Bronze

Modern Black Silver Gold or Copper Metal Rabbit Accent Chair
Located in Origgio (VA), IT
"Mr Holder was a shark who loved swimming but could not do it. He was mocked by all the other sharks who called him a 'boring little girl'. Poor thing! Then two famous designers with...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paperweights

Materials

Plastic

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Emerald Green Resin by Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
Geometric sculpture made in polished resin in variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space. This sculpture is very versatile and fun! You can ...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Paperweights

Materials

Resin

Stylized Crystal Frog Sculpture / Paperweight
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous stylized crystal frog sculpture / paperweight, circa 1990s. The piece is in excellent condition with no visible imperfections and has great clari...
Category

20th Century French Modern Paperweights

Materials

Crystal

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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