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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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 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
Green Glass Pear Paperweights
Located in Queens, NY
2 Light green tinted glass pear paperweight (PRICED EACH)
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Paperweights
Materials
Glass
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 Lemon in Lilac
Located in Richmond, VA
Casted glass lemon 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 wit...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paperweights
Materials
Crystal
Vintage Gucci Note Pad Holder and Desk Accessory
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
Solid Wood Paperweight Set – BULLET
Located in Karabağlar/Izmir, TR
Handcrafted solid wood office accessories stand out with their elegant and natural design, shaped through expert craftsmanship. Infused with the natural scent of cedar, this stylish ...
Category
2010s Turkish Modern Paperweights
Materials
Wood, Cedar
Gucci Desk Paperweight
By Gucci
Located in Munich, DE
Gucci desk paperweight from the 1980s, this elegant piece is based on an anthrazite metal base and an acrylic stand, attributed to Tom Ford.
Category
1990s Italian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Metal
Eight French Decorative Glass Desk Paperweights
Located in London, GB
These beautiful paperweights were created in France in the 20th century. Glass paperweights began to be widely collected in the mid-19th century, after they were showcased at the Int...
Category
20th Century French Modern Paperweights
Materials
Glass
Glass Pear in Jade
Located in Richmond, VA
Sculptural glass pear, handmade in Auckland, New Zealand by artist Devyn Ormsby. Individually cast from a true to size winter pear into a solid, crystal glass form.
The elegant pear...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paperweights
Materials
Crystal
Octagonal Crystal Glass Pillar Paperweight
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
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
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
MOLE / Candy paperweight by Malwina Konopacka
Located in WARSZAWA, PL
The MOLE paperweight was created in collaboration with the I Believe In Paper. This small object, featuring Malwina Konopacka's characteristic color combinations, is perfect as a cas...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paperweights
Materials
Clay
Pietrina Checcacci Cast Bronze Finger Sculpture
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cast bronze finger by Italian-Brazilian artist Pietrina Checcacci. The small weighted object features a bronze finger in a curved position with the tip f...
Category
Mid-20th Century Brazilian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Bronze
Signed Steuben White Swirl & Bubble Glass Egg Paperweight by George Thompson
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Signed Steuben White Swirl & Bubble Glass Egg Paperweight by George Thompson, USA, Circa 1970s
This exquisite Steuben glass egg paperweight, des...
Category
20th Century American Modern Paperweights
Materials
Crystal
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 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
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
Bill Slade Studio Glass Paperweight, Bullet Series, Signed Art Glass Object
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
This striking studio glass paperweight is part of the acclaimed Bullet Series by Bill Slade. Crafted with exceptional attention to detail, the piece feature...
Category
2010s American Modern Paperweights
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Murano Glass
Glass Lemon in Pale Bronze
Located in Richmond, VA
Sculptural glass lemon, handmade in Auckland, New Zealand by artist Devyn Ormsby. Individually cast from a true to size lemon into a solid, crystal glass form.
Each lemon is a perso...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paperweights
Materials
Crystal
Glass Pear in Pale Bronze
Located in Richmond, VA
Sculptural glass pear, handmade in Auckland, New Zealand by artist Devyn Ormsby. Individually cast from a true to size winter pear into a solid, crystal glass form.
The elegant pear...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paperweights
Materials
Crystal
Glass Lemon in Ruby
Located in Richmond, VA
Sculptural glass lemon, handmade in Auckland, New Zealand by artist Devyn Ormsby. Individually cast from a true to size lemon into a solid, crystal glass form.
Each lemon is a perso...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paperweights
Materials
Crystal
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
Mole Paperweight by Malwina Konopacka
Located in WARSZAWA, PL
MOLE is a paperweght designed by Malwina Konopacka in collabo with I Believe In Paper – polish, paper brand. This small object, featuring Malwina Konopacka's characteristic color com...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paperweights
Materials
Clay
Lucite Dice Decorative Objects, Pair/Set
Located in New York, NY
A pair/set of Lucite dice decorative objects, in the Modern style, circa late-20th century. A great set for a desk, bookshelf, coffee/cocktail table, etc.
Dimensions:
2.44" Square
...
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Paperweights
Materials
Lucite, Acrylic
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
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
Large Vintage Langham Glass England Controlled Bubbles Paperweight
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Striking vintage paperweight features abstract grouping of large controlled bubbles in clear and colored cobalt blue and grass green glass. The central design is encased in clear gl...
Category
20th Century English Modern Paperweights
Materials
Art Glass, Blown Glass, Sommerso
Italian Modern Alabaster Marble Round Decorative Sphere or Paperweight
Located in New York, NY
An Italian '70s modern alabaster marble round decorative sphere or paperweight, circa 1970s, Italy. Marked "Genuine Alabaster", "Hand Carved", "Made ...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Paperweights
Materials
Alabaster, Marble
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
Wall Street Dollar Sign and Bull Brass Desk Paperweights
Located in New York, NY
A set of Wall Street brass paperweights or decorative objects; a brass dollar sign and bull, circa mid to late-20th century. Great desk accessories.
Dimensions:
Dollar sign: 2....
Category
Late 20th Century Japanese Modern Paperweights
Materials
Brass
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
Onyx Marble Decorative Object Paperweight
Located in New York, NY
A polished onyx decorative object paperweight, a tetradecagon shape, in tan and brown hues, circa 1970s. A great piece for a desk, library, shelf, side and coffee/cocktail tables, et...
Category
1970s Vintage Modern Paperweights
Materials
Onyx
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
White Bookend Mould Project by Theodora Alfredsdottir
Located in Geneve, CH
White bookend Mould project by Theodora Alfredsdottir
Unique
Materials: Jesmonite
Dimensions: 110 x 80 x 180mm
Theodora Alfredsdottir is a product...
Category
2010s English Modern Paperweights
Materials
Cement
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
Paul J. Stankard Root People Paperweight
Located in Lake Worth Beach, FL
Artist/Designer; Manufacturer: Paul J. Stankard (American, b. 1943)
Marking(s); notes: signed
Materials: lampwork glass, polished clear and black glass
Dimensions (H, W, D): 2.5"h, 2...
Category
20th Century American Modern Paperweights
Materials
Glass
Glass Eye Studio Controlled Bubbles Paperweight, Seattle Art Glass
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage sculptural paperweight features swirling structure of controlled bubbles, encased inside a clear glass layer in sommerso technique. The piece has elongated egg shape with soft, rounded edges, that directs the eye towards the central design element. Colorful fused glass in pastel blue, pink, and off-white colors forms abstract patterns, raising from the base of the paperweight and encompassing its curves, accentuate the shape of the piece, and slightly iridescent finish on the surface add color and visual interest to the piece.
The piece is signed and dated in etching (GES 92) on the side near the base.
Founded in 1978 in Seattle’s famed Pike Place Market, but moved to the historic Ballard neighborhood later on, Glass Eye Studio...
Category
1990s American Modern Paperweights
Materials
Glass, Art Glass, Sommerso
Vintage Scottish Blown Glass Paperweight Caithness Myriad
Located in W Allenhurst, NJ
Classic Scottish blown glass paperweight. interesting visual with twisted design. Great colors.
Caithness Myriad
Scotland
Category
20th Century Scottish Modern Paperweights
Materials
Blown Glass
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
Glass Sphere
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
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
Italian Modern Alabaster Marble Sphere or Paperweight
Located in New York, NY
A small green, black and white alabaster marble decorative object sphere or paperweight, '70 Modern, circa 1970s, Italy. A great decorative object or paperweight for an office, desk,...
Category
1970s Italian Vintage Modern Paperweights
Materials
Alabaster, Marble
“Revolve” No.S3 'made to order' - Contemporary Handmade Stucco Sculpture
Located in Holte, DK
“Revolve” – No. S3
This is made in a limited edition of only 5 pieces + 1 AP
The five sculptures are made in five different colors, making them all tru...
Category
2010s Danish Modern Paperweights
Materials
Cast Stone
Glass Pear in Ruby
Located in Richmond, VA
Sculptural glass pear, handmade in Auckland, New Zealand by artist Devyn Ormsby. Individually cast from a true to size winter pear into a solid, crystal glass form.
The elegant pear...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paperweights
Materials
Crystal
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
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
Kosta Boda Green and Clear Art Glass Collectable Paperweight
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Sweden round green and clear glass paperweight. Vicke Lindstrand Kosta style Swedish art glass paperweight. Beautiful vintage glass art paperweight with multi sized controlled bubbles in green and clear accenting the close concentric complex. Hand blown bubble design Scandinavian Modern Art glass paperweight...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Modern Paperweights
Materials
Glass
Lime 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
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
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
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
White and Clear Marbled Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin by Paola Valle
By Paola Valle
Located in Ciudad De México, MX
This Geometric sculpture is handmade in polished resin in a variety of colors. It is a modern and colorful piece that will liven up any space.
Our Semi Sphere is a very cool and f...
Category
2010s Mexican Modern Paperweights
Materials
Resin
Stylized Crystal Frog Sculpture / Paperweight
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous stylized crystal frog sculpture / paperweight, circa 1990s. The piece is in excellent condition with no visible imperfections and has great clari...
Category
20th Century French Modern Paperweights
Materials
Crystal
Murano Decorative Obelisk by Seguso
By Venini
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
Beautiful obelisk, handmade in Italy, by Seguso, Murano. Quite tall-16". Unusual color-light purple that changes with light. Polished pointed top. Nicely cut and polished edges-see p...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Modern Paperweights
Materials
Art Glass
Set of 2 MOLE / Candy / Kobalt paperweight by Malwina Konopacka
Located in WARSZAWA, PL
MOLE is a paperweght designed by Malwina Konopacka in collabo with I Believe In Paper – polish, paper brand. This small object, featuring Malwina Konopacka's characteristic color com...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Paperweights
Materials
Clay
Set of Three Unique Pieces Hand Painted Sicilian Terracotta Decorative Spheres
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Three spheres made in Sicily, in the small town of Caltagirone, world famous for handcrafted ceramics. They are especially made for our store and are unique pieces. Measures: Diamete...
Category
2010s Sicilian Modern Paperweights
Materials
Terracotta
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.