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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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

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

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Orange 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

Smoke 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

Strawberry Pink 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 Semi Sphere is a very cool and f...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Paperweights

Materials

Resin

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

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Resin Color Grape 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 ve...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Paperweights

Materials

Resin

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 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 cr...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Paperweights

Materials

Resin

Clear 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 Semi...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Paperweights

Materials

Resin

Collectible Baccarat Crystal Cameo Franklin Mint Paperweights Set of 5
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

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

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

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

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

Crystal Pink Ashtray for Val Saint Lambert, Paper Weight Signed
By Guido Bon, Val Saint Lambert
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

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

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

Vintage Lalique Frosted Glass Tang Horse Figurine or Paperweight
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

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

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

Hermes Desktop Magnifier Paperweight in Silver, 1960s
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

Enzo Mari, Rare Cube Resin with Black Ball Sphere, Sculpture/Paperweight
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Very nice modern resin cube by the very well known designer Enzo Mari, Measures in cm 7 x 7 x 7.
Category

1960s Italian Vintage Modern Paperweights

Materials

Resin

Robert Held Sculptural Art Glass Paperweight, Canada, 20th Century
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

Tiffany & Co. Crystal Glass Musical Note Paperweight
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous crystal glass musical note paper weight By Tiffany and Co. USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 3"W x 4.13"D x 0.75"H Good original vintage condition.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paperweights

Materials

Crystal

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

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

Enzo Mari, Rare Resin Cube, Sculpture, Paperweight, with Polyhedral Inside
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a very rare Mari resin cube from the 1950s, it measures in cm 7 x 7 x 7, has a couple of flee bites in 2 corners. Similar sample with black inside i...
Category

1950s Italian Vintage Modern Paperweights

Materials

Resin

Aqua and Clear 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 Semi Sphere is a very cool and fun...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Paperweights

Materials

Resin

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

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

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Lime 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

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

Emerald Green 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 Semi Sphere is a very cool and f...
Category

2010s Mexican Modern Paperweights

Materials

Resin

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

Set of 3 Murano Ducks
Set of 3 Murano Ducks
$750 Sale Price / set
50% Off
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

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 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

Vintage Brass Anchor Paperweight
Vintage Brass Anchor Paperweight
$196 Sale Price
20% Off
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

Vintage Onyx Paperweight
Vintage Onyx Paperweight
$240 Sale Price
40% Off
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

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

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

Agate Onyx Paperweight
Agate Onyx Paperweight
$270 Sale Price
40% Off
Steven Lundberg / Lundberg Studios Glass Tiger Lily Pedestal Paperweight
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Lundberg Studios pedastal paperweight. By Steven Lundberg. With an upright tiger lily lampwork flower. Signed and dated at the foot. ...
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass

Orange 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

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

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

Art Glass Millefiori Collectable Paperweight
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Millefiori Italian art glass paperweight Beautiful glass art paperweight in millefiori design in various shades of blues, red and white, accenting the close concentric complex. Mur...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Modern Paperweights

Materials

Glass

Louis Vuitton Solid Bronze and Gold-Plated Storefront Plaque, “Malletier à Paris
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Louis Vuitton Solid Bronze and Gold-Plated Storefront Plaque, “Malletier à Paris”—Mid-20th Century A rare and impressive Louis Vuitton architectural nameplate, cast in solid bronze ...
Category

20th Century French Modern Paperweights

Materials

Bronze

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

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

Glass Lemon in Pink
Located in Richmond, VA
Casted glass lemon in pink by Devon made glass fruit inspired by blown glass fruit makers and collectors from the 1960's. The light playful approach to everyday fruit is contrasted w...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paperweights

Materials

Crystal

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

Glass Pear in Lilac
Located in Richmond, VA
Casted glass pear in dichroic lilac by Devon Made inspired by blown glass fruit makers and collectors from the 1960's. The light playful approach to everyday fruit is contrasted with...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary 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

English Teign Valley Red Art Glass Sculpture Paper Weight Bookend
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful hand blown art glass sculpture from Teign Valley Glass in England. The shop has been around since the early 20th C. and is renowned for ...
Category

20th Century English Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass

Vintage Greek Lalaounis Sterling Silver Figural Scallop Sea Shell Paperweight
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

21st Century by Arch. Aldo Rossi "Sannazzaro" Marble Paperweight
Located in massa, IT
Marble Paperweight designed by Aldo Rossi. Size: cm 20 x 4 x H4 Materials: Bianco Carrara - Red Travertine - National Travertine - White Lasa Designed by: Aldo Rossi.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paperweights

Materials

Marble

Vintage Gucci Chrome, Logo Canvas, Resin Note Pad Holder and Desk Accessory 70's
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

Supreme x Tru Grit Red Kettlebell Six KG Weight, New in Box, Fall 2022
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Supreme fall 2022 red Kettlebell six kilogram weight, New in Box.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paperweights

Materials

Metal

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

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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