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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
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
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
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
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
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
Bronze Scarab Paperweight
Located in Milan, IT
Made entirely by hand from a block of bronze, the Scarab Paperweight—by Florentine luxury experts Badari—offers eternal charm and allure. Hailed by ...
Category
2010s Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Bronze
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
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 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
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
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
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...
Category
2010s American Modern Paperweights
Materials
Brass
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
Mid-Century Modern Baseball Paperweight by Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This refined Mid-Century Modern baseball paperweight- executed in translucent crystal- represents the simple elegance of Tiffany & Co. at its finest. Since its founding in 1837, Tiff...
Category
1980s American Vintage Modern Paperweights
Materials
Crystal
Hermès Cleopatra Eye Magnifier Silver Plated Vintage Desk Accessory
By Hermès
Located in North Miami, FL
This ever so chic Hermès vintage silver plated Cleopatra eye magnifier is a great desk accessory. This is from the 1960s and was originally designed by J...
Category
1960s French Vintage Modern Paperweights
Materials
Silver Plate
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
Arman Violins Accumulations Paperweight for Christofle, France, 1980s
By Christofle, Arman
Located in Milan, IT
Arman violins accumulations metal paperweight for Christofle, France, 1983.
Category
1980s French Vintage Modern Paperweights
Materials
Metal
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
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
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
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
Pebble Black Marble Meditative Cushion by On.Entropy Ideal as a Desk Accessory
By on entropy
Located in Athens, GR
This desk accessory shaped as a "cushion" is designed with softness in mind; it wishes to engage the senses around the plasticity of marble. It is hand sculpt on a single piece of a ...
Category
2010s Greek Modern Paperweights
Materials
Marble
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
"Love me Now" Marble Heart Gift by On Entropy in White Marble
By on entropy
Located in Athens, GR
"Love me Now" is a marble item designed to evoke the senses. It is shaped as an off-centered heart with a longer tail. Its finish and tactile surface make it a hearty volume, which i...
Category
2010s Greek Modern Paperweights
Materials
Marble
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
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
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
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
Lucite Abstract Geometric Table Top Sculpture / Paperweight, 1980's
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Lucite abstract Geometric table top sculpture / Paperweight, 1980's.
Category
20th Century American Modern Paperweights
Materials
Lucite
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
1980s Waterford Crystal Lucky Irish Shamrock Paperweight
Located in Chula Vista, CA
1980s exquisite Waterford crystal glass lucky Irish Shamrock paperweight.
Maker stamped Waterford Ireland.
Preowned very good vintage condition.
Please see images provided.
approxim...
Category
1980s Vintage Modern Paperweights
Materials
Crystal
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
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
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
Signed Italian Silver Mounted Pietra Dura Paperweight with Flower by G. Fiaschi
By Giuseppe Fiaschi, Richard Blow
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
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
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
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
Tempera series Candle Holder...
Category
2010s North Korean Modern Paperweights
Materials
Shell
Contemporary Teardrop Glass Paperweight, Signed, Canada, Circa 2012
Located in Chatham, ON
Contemporary studio glass 'teardrop' paperweight sculpture - hand made/mouth blown with striking green, white and yellow swirl center - indistinctly signed and dated on the base (unk...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Art Glass
Blue 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
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
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
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 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 Hermès Paperweight Ruler Silver-plate Leather Desk Accessory 1970's
By Hermès
Located in Lausanne, CH
Vintage Hermès, Paris, an elegant desk accessory. The paperweight is in the shape of a decimal ruler, silver-plate with detachable black leather tab.
Made circa 1975, signed.
Category
1970s French Vintage Modern Paperweights
Materials
Silver Plate
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
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
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
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
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
Crystal Pink Ashtray for Val Saint Lambert, Paper Weight Signed
By Guido Bon, Val Saint Lambert
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
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
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
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
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
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.