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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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
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
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 Resin Color Grape 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 ve...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Paperweights
Materials
Resin
Yellow 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 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
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
Paul Ysart Poinsettia on a Pink & White Latticino Ground Glass Paperweight
By Paul Ysart
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
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
Small Modern Spinning Sculpture in Turquoise Resin by Paola Valle
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
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
Large Modern Spinning Sculpture in Turquoise Resin by Paola Valle
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
Tiffany & Co. Crystal Glass Apple Paperweight
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous crystal glass apple form paper weight
By Tiffany and Co.
USA, Late 20th Century
Measures: 3.25"W x 3.25"D x 3"H
Very good original vintage condition.
Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Paperweights
Materials
Crystal
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
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
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
$196 Sale Price
20% Off
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
Snow Globe Black White Chanel Number 5
By Chanel
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
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
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
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 Lime 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
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 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
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
Geometric Sculpture in Polished Black 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 ...
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
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
Enzo Mari, Rare Cube Resin with Black Ball Sphere, Sculpture/Paperweight
By Enzo Mari
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Collectible Baccarat Crystal Cameo Franklin Mint Paperweights Set of 5
By Baccarat
Located in North Hollywood, 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
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
Aqua and 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 Sphere is a very cool and fun...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Paperweights
Materials
Resin
Art Glass Millefiori Collectable Paperweight
Located in North Hollywood, 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
Contemporary Hand-engraved Aquamarine Sculpture by Ghirò Studio
By Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
The "Cactus" Sculpture is not only an elegant and modern piece of furniture but it is also a unique and unrepeatable sculpture.
This incredible object has been worked and sculpted...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
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
$1,895 / set
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
Signed Italian Silver Mounted Pietra Dura Paperweight with Flower by G. Fiaschi
By Richard Blow, Giuseppe Fiaschi
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine signed Italian pietra dura paperweight.
By Giuseppe Fiaschi.
With handcut marble polychrome marble specimens inlaid on a stepped black...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Marble, Silver
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
$240 Sale Price
40% Off
Orange 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 Pink Ashtray for Val Saint Lambert, Paper Weight Signed
By Val Saint Lambert, Guido Bon
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
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
Set of 3 Trays. From The Tempera series
By WKND Lab
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
Every piece is hand-made, color and measurement may slightly vary.
Colors: Black and Ivory
Production time is 5 weeks.
Tempera series Candle Holder...
Category
2010s North Korean Modern Paperweights
Materials
Shell
$360 / set
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
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
Whimsical Venetian Murano Art Glass Frog on a Lily Pad over a Globe Paperweight
Located in Tustin, CA
Very artistic, fun, and whimsical, hand made and mouth blown in Italy, golden yellow with brown speckled back, white bellied art glass frog on a green lily pad flanked over a bulbous...
Category
20th Century Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Murano Glass
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 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
Vintage Gucci Chrome, Logo Canvas, Resin Note Pad Holder and Desk Accessory 70's
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
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
$270 Sale Price
40% Off
21st Century by Arch. Aldo Rossi "Sannazzaro" Marble Paperweight
By Aldo Rossi
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
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
Onyx Marble Decorative Object Paperweight
Located in New York, NY
A polished onyx decorative object paperweight, a tetradecagon shape, in brown and tan hues, in the Modern style, Post-Modern period, circa 1970s. A great piece for a desk, library, s...
Category
Late 20th Century Modern Paperweights
Materials
Onyx
Wonderful Crystal Daum Pate De Verre Papillon Butterfly On Leaf Flower Sculpture
By Daum
Located in Roslyn, NY
A Wonderful Crystal Daum Pate De Verre Papillon Butterfly Perched On A Leaf & Flower Sculpture Paperweight
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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