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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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.
to
12
84
45
16
84
61
2
16
46
1
3
3
8
4
7
498
145
83
25
23
19
15
9
8
7
7
4
4
3
3
1
1
49
40
32
31
28
80
33
69
49
31
22
21
Height
to
Width
to
145
107
138
21
7
5
4
4
Style: Modern
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
Caithness Glass Ascension Paperweight by Alastair Macintosh Scotland, Ca 1980
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
Geometric Sculpture in Polished Orange Resin by Paola Valle
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
Geometric Sculpture in Polished Tangerine Resin by Paola Valle
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
Geometric Sculpture in Polished Pearl Resin by Paola Valle
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
Paul Stankard “Daylily” Paperweight, 1977
Located in Norwood, NJ
Privately commissioned in 1977, this studio art glass paperweight by Paul Stankard is titled Daylily and features a finely detailed daylily arranged with cranberry branches and buds....
Category
1970s American Vintage Modern Paperweights
Materials
Art Glass
Collectible Baccarat Crystal Cameo Franklin Mint Paperweights Set of 5
By Baccarat
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Collectible Vintage Franklin Mint Baccarat Crystal Cameo Paperweights - Set of 5.
This exquisite Franklin Mint Baccarat Crystal Cameo Paperweights Set is a stunning addition to any c...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Paperweights
Materials
Art Glass
Robert Indiana Red Brushed Aluminum Love Paperweight Sculpture, 1970's
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
1980s Silver Plated Metal Partridge Paperweight By Gucci
By Gucci
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Vintage Gucci Italian Metal Bird Desk Ornament or Paperweight
This charming desk accessory is a vintage piece of home décor or paperweight by the renowned Italian luxury house, Gucci...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Silver Plate
Vintage Greek Lalaounis Sterling Silver Figural Scallop Sea Shell Paperweight
By Lalaounis
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed Greek silver paperweight.
By Lalounis.
In sterling silver.
In the form of a scallop or cockle sea shell.
Marked to the base.
Simply a wonderful Lalaounis shell...
Category
20th Century Greek Modern Paperweights
Materials
Sterling Silver
Caithness Glass Paperweight Elixir No. 189/500, Scotland Circa 1980s
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a glass paperweight named "Elixir", limited edition 189/500, by Caithness Glass, Scotland, made after 1970 in the last quarter of the 20th Century.
This is a very attractiv...
Category
20th Century Scottish Modern Paperweights
Materials
Blown Glass
Vintage Lalique Frosted Glass Tang Horse Figurine or Paperweight
By Lalique
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine french glass figurine or paperweight.
By Lalique.
Designed by Marie-Claude Lalique in the 1980s.
In the form of a Tang Dynasty horse with cropped tail and mane.
The horse in frosted glass and the rectangular base and negative space (between legs) in clear glass.
With an original Lalique Paris sticker and etched "Lalique Ⓡ France" signature.
Simply a wonderful Lalique horse...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Paperweights
Materials
Glass
Modernist Silver Plate Pear Paperweight
Located in San Diego, CA
A very cool modernist silver plated pear paperweight / sculpture, circa 1970s. The piece is well crafted with a nice weight and in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Modern Paperweights
Materials
Silver Plate
Geometric Sculpture in Polished Strawberry Pink Resin by Paola Valle
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
Arman Violins Accumulations Paperweight for Christofle, France, 1980s
By Arman, Christofle
Located in Milan, IT
Arman violins accumulations metal paperweight for Christofle, France, 1983.
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Paperweights
Materials
Metal
1990s Alfredo Barbini Modern Black Murano Glass Paperweight depicting an Hand
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This paperweight reflects the elegance and modern artistry of 1990s Murano glass while also carrying the signature style of one of the most renowned Venetian glassmakers of the 20th ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Murano Glass
Albert Paley 1994 "Medallion" Paperweight in Blackened Steel with Bronzed Patina
By Albert Paley
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
Pair of Tiffany "Box and Bow" Porcelain & Crystal Trinket Boxes by Tiffany & Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous pair of iconic Tiffany "box with bow" crystal and porcelain trinket boxes by Tiffany & Co. circa 1990's. The pair are in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks...
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Modern Paperweights
Materials
Crystal
Crystal Pink Ashtray for Val Saint Lambert, Paper Weight Signed
By Val Saint Lambert, Guido Bon
Located in Moreno Valley, 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
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
Smoke Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
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
Geometric Sculpture in Polished Emerald Green Resin by Paola Valle
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
Vintage Onyx Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Italian spherical onyx desk paperweight, in natural neutral hues / Made in Italy circa 1970s
Measures: diameter 4 inches
Order reference #: FABIOLTD G178
This piece makes for...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Onyx
Art Glass Heart Paperweight Decorative Object
By Robert Held
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial art glass heart paperweight or decorative object by artist Robet Held, circa late-20th century. Heart is a light blue art glass with touches of blue and p...
Category
Late 20th Century Canadian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Art Glass
Daniel Salazar Lundberg Studios Art Glass White Gardenia Paperweight
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Lundberg Studios paperweight by Daniel Salazar.
By Daniel Salazar for Lundberg Studios.
With a white lampwork gardenia with three green leaves ...
Category
1990s American Modern Paperweights
Materials
Glass, Art Glass
Great American Circus Calendar Medal by Marcel Jovine
Located in Van Nuys, CA
This is a large bronze coin medallion of the Great American Circus calendar by sculptor Marcel Jovine.
Marcel Jovine was an Italian-born American sculptor who was best known as the ...
Category
1950s American Vintage Modern Paperweights
Materials
Bronze
$58 Sale Price
35% Off
Unique Vintage Art Glass
Located in Fairfield, CA
A beautiful vintage art glass featuring a variety of techniques and controlled bubbles to create a unique design.
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Paperweights
Materials
Art Glass
Strawberry Pink Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
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 Semi Sphere is a very cool and f...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Paperweights
Materials
Resin
Wall Street Dollar Sign and Bull Brass Desk Paperweights
Located in New York, NY
A set of Wall Street brass paperweights or decorative objects; a brass dollar sign and bull, circa mid to late-20th century. Great desk accessories.
Dimensions:
Dollar sign: 2....
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Modern Paperweights
Materials
Brass
$260 Sale Price / set
20% Off
Art Deco Crystal Faceted Block Paperweight Vase Desk Accessory
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A thick Block of Crystal with a large hole in the center. The faceted piece had a previous life as an ink well, or small container for stamps or a piece like a salt Cellar.
The pi...
Category
20th Century Modern Paperweights
Materials
Crystal
Crystal Geometric Honeycomb Paperweight or Decorative Object
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful crystal geometric honeycomb style paperweight or decorative object, circa late-20th century. A great decorative object (as shown) and a great piece for a desk, office, li...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Paperweights
Materials
Crystal
$300 Sale Price
20% Off
Murano Orange Pear
Located in Los Angeles, CA
20Thc Murano glass pear with orange interior. The condition is very good.
Category
Early 20th Century Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Art Glass
$476 Sale Price
20% Off
Tiffany Box and Bow Crystal Paperweight by Tiffany & Co.
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous iconic Tiffany box with bow crystal paperweight by Tiffany & Co. circa 1990's. The box is in very good vintage condition with no chips or cracks and measures 3"W x 3"D x 2....
Category
Late 20th Century German Modern Paperweights
Materials
Crystal
Hermes Desktop Magnifier Paperweight in Silver, 1960s
By Hermès
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Hermes Paris magnifying glass desk accessory with domed lens ensconced in a silver frame with a belt design. We've left the oxidation and patina untouched and simply added a ...
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Paperweights
Materials
Sterling Silver
Clear Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
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 Semi...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Paperweights
Materials
Resin
Art Glass Heart Paperweight Decorative Object
By Robert Held
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial art glass heart paperweight or decorative object by artist Robet Held, circa late-20th century. Heart is a light to medium green art glass with touches of...
Category
Late 20th Century Canadian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Art Glass
Art Glass Heart Paperweight Decorative Object
By Robert Held
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful and substantial art glass heart paperweight or decorative object by artist Robet Held, circa late-20th century. Heart is a light green art glass with touches of blue and ...
Category
Late 20th Century Canadian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Art 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
Collection of Six Glass Multicolored Paperweights
Located in London, GB
These glass paperweights are wonderful decorative pieces which will make perfect desk accessories or collectables.
The paperweights are all slightly different in their shape and ...
Category
20th Century French Modern Paperweights
Materials
Glass, Art Glass
Emerald Green Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
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 Semi Sphere is a very cool and f...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Paperweights
Materials
Resin
Vintage Zellique Art Glass Pear
Located in Fairfield, CA
A beautiful vintage Zellique studio art glass pear. Beautiful satin semi iridescent finish to the glass. Signed on the base.
Category
Late 20th Century North American Modern Paperweights
Materials
Art Glass
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
White and Clear Marbled Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
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 Semi Sphere is a very cool and f...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Paperweights
Materials
Resin
White Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
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
Crystal Paperweight Octagonal Glass Pillar
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Crystal Glass Modern Paperweight Octagonal Pillar
unmarked
7.75 L x 2.25 diameter
Preowned vintage unrestored condition.
One scuff -scratch present, hard to see, must be mentioned.
R...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Paperweights
Materials
Crystal
1980s Iconic Silver Plated Enameled Metal Nail Shoehorn by Gucci
By Gucci
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Vintage 1980s Iconic Silver-Plated Nail Shoehorn by Gucci
This exceptional and rare vintage shoehorn is a true testament to the iconic design and luxury of Gucci from the 1980s. The ...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Silver Plate
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
$1,500 / set
Daniel Salazar Lundberg Studios Cherry Blossom Art Glass Paperweight
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Lundberg Studios paperweight by Daniel Salazar.
With a lampwork cherry blossom and 3 small cherry flower buds on a branch.
Bearing a Lundbe...
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Paperweights
Materials
Art Glass
1980s Silver Plated Sculptured Duck Paperweight by Gucci
By Gucci
Located in Aci Castello, IT
This rare and substantial 1980s paperweight by Gucci is a quintessential example of the house's storied tradition of luxury novelty and desk accessories. Expertly crafted in Italy, t...
Category
Late 20th Century Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Silver Plate
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
This piece makes for a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Stone
Italian modern round doorstop in multicolor Murano glass, 1980s
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern round doorstop in multicolor Murano glass, 1980s
Round Murano glass doorstop. The glass is made of multicolored rods.
It features a shallow bowl in the center. It can ...
Category
1980s Italian Vintage Modern Paperweights
Materials
Murano Glass
Vintage Kosta Boda Art Glass Paperweight by Erik Hoglund
Located in Sacramento, CA
Vintage cobalt blue Kosta Boda art glass paperweight by Erik Hoglund, featuring a woman’s head and torso. In excellent vintage condition.
Diamete...
Category
Late 20th Century Swedish Modern Paperweights
Materials
Art Glass
Pebble Black Marble Meditative Cushion by On.Entropy Ideal as a Desk Accessory
By on entropy
Located in Athens, GR
Pebble press papier, designed with softness in mind. Hand-sculpted from a single block of marble, it challenges expectations of the material, transforming what is rigid and heavy int...
Category
2010s Greek Modern Paperweights
Materials
Marble
$367 Sale Price / item
20% Off
VALLETTA GLASS - Marbleized Paperweight Vase/Candle Holder - Malta - Circa 2000
Located in Chatham, ON
VALLETTA GLASS (Manufacturer) - PAUL SAID (Owner/Designer) - Vintage Maltese studio glass paperweight vase or candle holder - featuring a striking combination of multicolor marbleize...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Maltese Modern Paperweights
Materials
Art Glass, Blown 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
Wooden Christmas Tree Mega FIR – Cedar, 62 cm
Located in Orlando, FL
The solid cedar Christmas tree is made entirely from natural cedar wood and adds an elegant touch to your holiday decor with its minimalist design. Inspired by the form of the fir tr...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Paperweights
Materials
Wood, Oak
Robert Held Sculptural Art Glass Paperweight, Canada, 20th Century
By Robert Held
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Robert Held Sculptural Art Glass Paperweight, Canada, 20th Century. Signed to the bottom.
Category
20th Century Canadian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Art Glass
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
$160 Sale Price
20% Off
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
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.
More Ways To Browse
Steuben Apple
Steuben Fruit
Steuben Glass Apple
Ted Arnold High Society
Vintage Cast Iron Horse Bank
Vintage Millefiori Style Paperweight Paperweights
Vintage Royal Doulton Crystal Glasses
World Globe Paperweight
Armani Murano
Art Deco Lady Ashtray
Austrian Pocket Watches
Baccarat Bunny
Baccarat Crystal Heart Paperweight
Baccarat Crystal Rabbit
Baccarat Crystal Turtle
Baccarat Rabbit
Baccarat Turtle
Bacchus Paperweight