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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Vintage Villeroy & Boch Clear Glass Panda Bear Paperweight
Vintage Villeroy & Boch Clear Glass Panda Bear Paperweight

Vintage Villeroy & Boch Clear Glass Panda Bear Paperweight

By Villeroy & Boch

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

Modernist Silver Plate Pear Paperweight
Modernist Silver Plate Pear Paperweight

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

Mdina Glass Paperweight, Abstract Design, Handcrafted, Malta, 1970s
Mdina Glass Paperweight, Abstract Design, Handcrafted, Malta, 1970s

Mdina Glass Paperweight, Abstract Design, Handcrafted, Malta, 1970s

By Mdina

Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire

This is a beautiful Art Glass Paperweight made by Mdina glass, Malta during the 1970's This paperweight has an unusual abstract pattern, all hand crafted. It has the original Mdina...

Category

20th Century British Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass

Pair of Tiffany "Box and Bow" Porcelain & Crystal Trinket Boxes by Tiffany & Co.
Pair of Tiffany "Box and Bow" Porcelain & Crystal Trinket Boxes by Tiffany & Co.

Pair of Tiffany "Box and Bow" Porcelain & Crystal Trinket Boxes by Tiffany & Co.

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

Caithness Glass Paperweight Eagle soaring over Snowy Mountain, Scotland C 1980s
Caithness Glass Paperweight Eagle soaring over Snowy Mountain, Scotland C 1980s

Caithness Glass Paperweight Eagle soaring over Snowy Mountain, Scotland C 1980s

By Caithness Scotland

Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire

This is a beautiful glass paperweight by Caithness Glass, Scotland, showing a soaring Eagle flying over a snowy mountain top, made after 1970 in the last quarter of the 20th Century....

Category

20th Century Scottish Modern Paperweights

Materials

Blown Glass

Modern Glass Sphere Decorative Object
Modern Glass Sphere Decorative Object

Modern Glass Sphere Decorative Object

Located in New York, NY

A transparent glass sphere on a square glass base decorative object or paperweight, in the Modern style, circa late-20th century. A great decorative object for a desk, library, shelf...

Category

Late 20th Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Glass

Vintage 1970's Brass Robert Indiana LOVE Paperweight Sculpture
Vintage 1970's Brass Robert Indiana LOVE Paperweight Sculpture

Vintage 1970's Brass Robert Indiana LOVE Paperweight Sculpture

Located in North Miami, FL

This authentic vintage 1970's Robert Indiana brass LOVE paperweight sculpture is a great desk accessory. These were originally sold in the 70's at MOMA in NYC in the gift shop and a...

Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paperweights

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Vintage Ruzzetti & Gow Silver Figural Apple Sculpture or Paperweight
Vintage Ruzzetti & Gow Silver Figural Apple Sculpture or Paperweight

Vintage Ruzzetti & Gow Silver Figural Apple Sculpture or Paperweight

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine vintage signed Italian silver figurine or paperweight. By Ruzzetti & Gow. In the form of an apple clad in sterling silver. Marked to the base. Simply a wonderful Ruzzetti ...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Paperweights

Materials

Silver

Baccarat French Crystal Heart Paperweight Decorative Object
Baccarat French Crystal Heart Paperweight Decorative Object

Baccarat French Crystal Heart Paperweight Decorative Object

By Baccarat

Located in New York, NY

A French puffed crystal heart paperweight decorative object from luxury Maison Baccarat, circa late-20th century to early-21st century, France. 'Puffed' heart is clear/transparent cr...

Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Paperweights

Materials

Crystal

Vintage IBM Personal Computer Desk Caddy with Original Box, circa 1980s
Vintage IBM Personal Computer Desk Caddy with Original Box, circa 1980s

Vintage IBM Personal Computer Desk Caddy with Original Box, circa 1980s

By Paul Rand, IBM

Located in San Diego, CA

Vintage desktop accessory caddy produced by IBM for the promotion of its Personal Computer line, featuring a charming miniature workstation design with monitor, CPU, and keyboard for...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Paperweights

Materials

Plastic

Art Glass Heart Paperweight Decorative Object
Art Glass Heart Paperweight Decorative Object

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

Vintage Lalique Frosted Glass Tang Horse Figurine or Paperweight
Vintage Lalique Frosted Glass Tang Horse Figurine or Paperweight

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

Art Glass Heart Paperweight Decorative Object
Art Glass Heart Paperweight Decorative Object

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

Vintage Onyx Paperweight
Vintage Onyx Paperweight

Vintage Onyx Paperweight

$200Sale Price|50% 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

Signed Vintage Cohn-Stone Studios Art Glass Acorn Paperweight, 2007
Signed Vintage Cohn-Stone Studios Art Glass Acorn Paperweight, 2007

Signed Vintage Cohn-Stone Studios Art Glass Acorn Paperweight, 2007

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine vintage figural paperweight. By the Cohn-Stone Studios. In the form of an oversized acorn. With a mottled brown glass base and an iridescent cap. Marked to the reverse. S...

Category

Early 2000s American Modern Paperweights

Materials

Sterling Silver

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Orange Resin by Paola Valle
Geometric Sculpture in Polished Orange Resin by Paola Valle

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 Glass Ascension Paperweight by Alastair Macintosh Scotland, Ca 1980
Caithness Glass Ascension Paperweight by Alastair Macintosh Scotland, Ca 1980

Caithness Glass Ascension Paperweight by Alastair Macintosh Scotland, Ca 1980

By Caithness Scotland

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
Geometric Sculpture in Polished Strawberry Pink Resin by Paola Valle

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

Art Glass Heart Paperweight Decorative Object
Art Glass Heart Paperweight Decorative Object

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

Paul Stankard “Daylily” Paperweight, 1977
Paul Stankard “Daylily” Paperweight, 1977

Paul Stankard “Daylily” Paperweight, 1977

By Paul Stankard

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

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Tangerine Resin by Paola Valle
Geometric Sculpture in Polished Tangerine Resin by Paola Valle

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 Lime Green Resin by Paola Valle
Geometric Sculpture in Polished Lime Green Resin by Paola Valle

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 cr...

Category

2010s Mexican Modern Paperweights

Materials

Resin

Two Interlocking Links Make a Pinkish Marble Paperweight
Two Interlocking Links Make a Pinkish Marble Paperweight

Two Interlocking Links Make a Pinkish Marble Paperweight

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A striking pair of hand-carved interlocking marble links, beautifully crafted with clean lines and timeless appeal. Sculptural in form and substantial in weight, they serve as both a...

Category

20th Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Marble

Contemporary Teardrop Glass Paperweight, Signed, Canada, Circa 2012
Contemporary Teardrop Glass Paperweight, Signed, Canada, Circa 2012

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

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Pearl Resin by Paola Valle
Geometric Sculpture in Polished Pearl Resin by Paola Valle

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

Vintage Belgische ECU Lucite Paperweight–Generale Bank Commemorative Desk Object
Vintage Belgische ECU Lucite Paperweight–Generale Bank Commemorative Desk Object

Vintage Belgische ECU Lucite Paperweight–Generale Bank Commemorative Desk Object

Located in Roma, IT

Unique vintage lucite paperweight featuring embedded commemorative Belgian ECU coin medallions and etched “Generale Bank” branding. This sculptural banking collectible commemorates t...

Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Paperweights

Materials

Silver

Agate Onyx Paperweight
Agate Onyx Paperweight

Agate Onyx Paperweight

$225Sale Price|50% Off

Agate Onyx Paperweight

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns Measures: length 5 inches, width 2.75 inches, height 1.25 inches This piece makes for a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paperweights

Materials

Stone

Limited Edition Cast Sculpture in Bronze or Brass, Constantin by Costantini
Limited Edition Cast Sculpture in Bronze or Brass, Constantin by Costantini

Limited Edition Cast Sculpture in Bronze or Brass, Constantin by Costantini

By Costantini

Located in New York, NY

Constantin, a Limited Edition series of cast Bronze, Brass or Leaded Bronze in Polished, Brushed or Rustic finish by Costantini founder William Stuart; his homage to Constantin Brancusi. Each piece is unique and hand-numbered by the artist. Options available will be confirmed at time of order. About William Stuart William C Stuart...

Category

2010s Argentine Modern Paperweights

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Trio of Lucite Sculptures Signed & Dated
Trio of Lucite Sculptures Signed & Dated

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

Collectible Baccarat Crystal Cameo Franklin Mint Paperweights Set of 5
Collectible Baccarat Crystal Cameo Franklin Mint Paperweights Set of 5

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

Agate Onyx Paperweight
Agate Onyx Paperweight

Agate Onyx Paperweight

$225Sale Price|50% Off

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

Agate Onyx Paperweight

$225Sale Price|50% Off

Agate Onyx Paperweight

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns Measures: diameter 4 inches, height 2 inches This piece makes for a great and unique gi...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paperweights

Materials

Stone

Agate Onyx Paperweight
Agate Onyx Paperweight

Agate Onyx Paperweight

$225Sale Price|50% Off

Agate Onyx Paperweight

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns Measures: length 4.5 inches, width 3.5 inches, height 2 inches This piece makes for a g...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paperweights

Materials

Stone

Agate Onyx Paperweight
Agate Onyx Paperweight

Agate Onyx Paperweight

$225Sale Price|50% Off

Agate Onyx Paperweight

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Hand polished agate onyx stone paperweight in black, brown, and red intricate layered patterns Measures: length 4.75 inches, width 4.25 inches, height 2 inches 1 in stock in Palm Spr...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paperweights

Materials

Stone

Abstract Glass Paperweight Signed, Red, Black, Orange, Gold, White Design
Abstract Glass Paperweight Signed, Red, Black, Orange, Gold, White Design

Abstract Glass Paperweight Signed, Red, Black, Orange, Gold, White Design

Located in North Miami, FL

This abstract art glass artisan paperweight is signed in cursive on the underside N Laso. It has bars of glass sticks in rows of red, black and white, orange copper rust and a gold small bat...

Category

1990s American Modern Paperweights

Materials

Gold

Vintage Hermès Paperweight Ruler Silver-plate Leather  Desk Accessory 1970's
Vintage Hermès Paperweight Ruler Silver-plate Leather  Desk Accessory 1970's

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

Large Murano Pear
Large Murano Pear

Large Murano Pear

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Amazing Murano large over size pear with burg interior..Amazing shape and size.

Category

Early 20th Century American Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass

Gordon Bunshaft's Collection: Lighter, Paperweight, Shovel Pin and Glass Piece
Gordon Bunshaft's Collection: Lighter, Paperweight, Shovel Pin and Glass Piece

Gordon Bunshaft's Collection: Lighter, Paperweight, Shovel Pin and Glass Piece

By Gordon Bunshaft

Located in Philadelphia, PA

This is a collection of personal desk objects from the estate of Gordon Bunshaft, the influential American architect best known for his work with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and iconi...

Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Paperweights

Materials

Metal

Josh Simpson Handmade Art Glass Planet or Planetoid Marble with Acrylic Stand
Josh Simpson Handmade Art Glass Planet or Planetoid Marble with Acrylic Stand

Josh Simpson Handmade Art Glass Planet or Planetoid Marble with Acrylic Stand

By Josh Simpson

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine art glass marble. By Josh Simpson. With an Earth-colored planetoid inside a glass marble. With a conforming acrylic stand. Simply a wonderful art glass marble! Date: La...

Category

20th Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

Italian Alabaster Marble Sphere or Paperweight
Italian Alabaster Marble Sphere or Paperweight

Italian Alabaster Marble Sphere or Paperweight

Located in New York, NY

An Italian alabaster marble round sphere or paperweight, /70s Modern period, circa late-20th century, 1970s, Italy. Marked "Genuine Alabaster", "Hand...

Category

1970s Italian Vintage Modern Paperweights

Materials

Alabaster, Marble

1980s Silver Plated Metal Partridge Paperweight By Gucci
1980s Silver Plated Metal Partridge Paperweight By Gucci

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

Unique Vintage Art Glass
Unique Vintage 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

Modern Crystal Glass Paperweight, Octagonal Pillar, Late 20th Century
Modern Crystal Glass Paperweight, Octagonal Pillar, Late 20th Century

Modern Crystal Glass Paperweight, Octagonal Pillar, Late 20th Century

Located in Chula Vista, CA

For your consideration, crystal glass modern paperweight octagonal pillar. Unmarked Dimensions: 7.75" H x 2.25" diameter Please take a look at our listings. We have an amazing cura...

Category

Late 20th Century 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.