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Neoclassical Paperweights

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NEOCLASSICAL STYLE

Neoclassical design emerged in Europe in the 1750s, as the Age of Enlightenment reached full flower. Neoclassical furniture took its cues from the styles of ancient Rome and Athens: symmetrical, ordered, dignified forms with such details as tapered and fluted chair and table legs, backrest finials and scrolled arms.

Over a period of some 20 years, first in France and later in Britain, neoclassical design — also known as Louis XVI, or Louis Seize — would supersede the lithe and curvaceous Rococo or Louis XV style.

The first half of the 18th century had seen a rebirth of interest in classical antiquity. The "Grand Tour" of Europe, codified as a part of the proper education of a patrician gentleman, included an extended visit to Rome. Some ventured further, to sketch the ruins of ancient Greece. These drawings and others — particularly those derived from the surprising and rich archaeological discoveries in the 1730s and ’40s at the sites of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum — caused great excitement among intellectuals and aesthetes alike.

Neoclassical furniture is meant to reflect both grace and power. The overall appearance of neoclassical chairs, tables and cabinetry is strong and rectilinear. These pieces are, in effect, classical architecture in miniature: chair and table legs are shaped like columns; cabinets are constructed with elements that mirror friezes and pediments.

Yet neoclassicism is enlivened by gilt and silver leaf, marquetry, and carved and applied ornamental motifs based on Greek and Roman sculpture: acanthus leaves, garlands, laurel wreaths, sheaves of arrow, medallions and chair splats are carved in the shapes of lyres and urns. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.

As you can see from the furniture on these pages, there is a bit of whimsy in such stately pieces — a touch of lightness that will always keep neoclassicism fresh.

Find antique neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.

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Style: Neoclassical
Handcrafted Iron Horse Bit Paperweight in Gucci Style, 1970s
Handcrafted Iron Horse Bit Paperweight in Gucci Style, 1970s

Handcrafted Iron Horse Bit Paperweight in Gucci Style, 1970s

By Hermès, Gucci

Located in Round Top, TX

Unique handmade twisted iron Gucci-style horse bit paperweight or sculpture. This piece is fully hinged and can be easily wall-displayed for a clean form pie...

Category

Late 20th Century American Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Iron

Antique English Blue John or Derbyshire Spar Egg Shaped Paperweight
Antique English Blue John or Derbyshire Spar Egg Shaped Paperweight

Antique English Blue John or Derbyshire Spar Egg Shaped Paperweight

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine antique paperweight. Comprised of Blue John (also known as Derbyshire Spar), a rare form of fluorite from England with distinct purple & yell...

Category

Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Precious Stone

Grand Tour Of Italy Souvenir, Carrara Marble Cameo Paperweight c19th Century
Grand Tour Of Italy Souvenir, Carrara Marble Cameo Paperweight c19th Century

Grand Tour Of Italy Souvenir, Carrara Marble Cameo Paperweight c19th Century

Located in Rothley, Leicestershire

Intriguing 19th century Grand Tour carved Carrara marble cameo depicting a strong male profile, possibly the Italian poet Dante Alighieri Antique Italian...

Category

19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Carrara Marble

Art Deco Scottish Terrier Bronze Desk Ornament on Hardwood Base
Art Deco Scottish Terrier Bronze Desk Ornament on Hardwood Base

Art Deco Scottish Terrier Bronze Desk Ornament on Hardwood Base

Located in W Allenhurst, NJ

A charming Art Deco Scottish Terrier desk ornament mounted on a beveled hardwood base, dating to the 1920s–1940s. The finely cast terrier features expressive modeling and a rich dark...

Category

Early 20th Century Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Spelter

Marble Chain Link Sculpture / Paperweight
Marble Chain Link Sculpture / Paperweight

Marble Chain Link Sculpture / Paperweight

Located in San Diego, CA

A very nice marble chain link sculpture / paperweight, circa 1990s. The piece, which consists of four links, is in very good condition with no chips or cracks and measures 13.5"W x...

Category

Late 20th Century Indian Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Marble

English Bronze 'His Royal Highness Prince Albert' Commemorative Desk Clip
English Bronze 'His Royal Highness Prince Albert' Commemorative Desk Clip

English Bronze 'His Royal Highness Prince Albert' Commemorative Desk Clip

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

English Bronze 'His Royal Highness Prince Albert' Commemorative Desk Clip England, early 20th century A distinguished English bronze 'His Royal Highness Prince Albert' Commemorative...

Category

Early 20th Century English Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Brass Bust of Napoleon Paperweight
Vintage Brass Bust of Napoleon Paperweight

Vintage Brass Bust of Napoleon Paperweight

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

This charming vintage miniature bust captures the iconic pensive gaze of Napoleon Bonaparte, a figure synonymous with French Empire grandeur. Cast in solid brass with a lustrous poli...

Category

Mid-20th Century French Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Brass

Collection of Table Ornaments 19th and 20th Century, Cut Crystal, Gilt Bronze
Collection of Table Ornaments 19th and 20th Century, Cut Crystal, Gilt Bronze

Collection of Table Ornaments 19th and 20th Century, Cut Crystal, Gilt Bronze

Located in Buchanan, MI

A collection of table ornaments, cut crystal gilt bronze 19th and 20th century, priced per item. Height of tallest 20 1/4 inches.

Category

19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Crystal, Bronze

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Gucci Vintage Black Leather Desk Set 1970s
Gucci Vintage Black Leather Desk Set 1970s

Gucci Vintage Black Leather Desk Set 1970s

$2,961 / set

H 2.37 in W 13.39 in D 9.06 in

Gucci Vintage Black Leather Desk Set 1970s

By Gucci

Located in Munich, DE

Stunning Gucci desk set made of black leather and brass. Four pieces include: massive desktop blotter or pad, huge letter opener, envelope holder and a leather pen holder with glass ...

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1970s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Paperweights

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Brass

Louis Lejeune Norwich Terrier Hood Ornament
Louis Lejeune Norwich Terrier Hood Ornament

Louis Lejeune Norwich Terrier Hood Ornament

$425

H 2.75 in W 1.25 in D 2.75 in

Louis Lejeune Norwich Terrier Hood Ornament

Located in Huntington, NY

Louis Lejeune Norwich Terrier Hood Ornament Louis Lejeune Mascots adorn the finest European & American Cars. The British Royal Family have, for many years, displayed mascots on ...

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Late 20th Century English Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Steel

Handcrafted Brass Gecko Decorative Paperweight in Bronze Patina
Handcrafted Brass Gecko Decorative Paperweight in Bronze Patina

Handcrafted Brass Gecko Decorative Paperweight in Bronze Patina

By Alguacil & Perkoff Ltd.

Located in London, London

Beautiful hand cast bronze patinated gecko paperweight. The polished details in the gecko's feet highlight the characteristic rose gold colour of bronze. Each of these geckos are ha...

Category

2010s Indian Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Bronze

A Vintage Italian Grand Tour Specimen Marble Ruler, 20th Century
A Vintage Italian Grand Tour Specimen Marble Ruler, 20th Century

A Vintage Italian Grand Tour Specimen Marble Ruler, 20th Century

Located in Spencertown, NY

The 7 1/4" ruler with 8 different specimens inset with in a black marble frame.

Category

Early 20th Century Italian Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Marble

Small Carved "Obsidian" Alien Head Paperweight, artist unknown
Small Carved "Obsidian" Alien Head Paperweight, artist unknown

Small Carved "Obsidian" Alien Head Paperweight, artist unknown

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Small Carved "Obsidian" Alien Head Paperweight, artist unknown "its not just speculation any more......... extra-territorials are real" "in good vintage as found condition"

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Glass

Handmade Big Paperweight with Sphere Shape in Portoro Marble
Handmade Big Paperweight with Sphere Shape in Portoro Marble

Handmade Big Paperweight with Sphere Shape in Portoro Marble

By Fiammetta V.

Located in Carrara, IT

Paperweight with sphere shape in Portoro marble. Measure: Diameter 12 cm Each piece is in a way unique (since each marble block is different in veins and shades) and handcrafted in ...

Category

2010s Italian Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Marble

Handmade Big Paperweight with Sphere Shape in Grey Bardiglio Marble
Handmade Big Paperweight with Sphere Shape in Grey Bardiglio Marble

Handmade Big Paperweight with Sphere Shape in Grey Bardiglio Marble

By Fiammetta V.

Located in Carrara, IT

Paperweight with sphere shape in grey Bardiglio marble. Measure: diameter 12cm Each piece is in a way unique (since each marble block is different in veins and shades) and handcraft...

Category

2010s Italian Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Marble

Handmade Small Paperweight with Sphere Shape in Portoro Marble
Handmade Small Paperweight with Sphere Shape in Portoro Marble

Handmade Small Paperweight with Sphere Shape in Portoro Marble

By Fiammetta V.

Located in Carrara, IT

Paperweight with sphere shape in Portoro marble. Measure: Diameter 8 cm Each piece is in a way unique (since each marble block is different in veins and shades) and handcrafted in I...

Category

2010s Italian Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Marble

Handmade Small Paperweight with Sphere Shape in Grey Bardiglio Marble
Handmade Small Paperweight with Sphere Shape in Grey Bardiglio Marble

Handmade Small Paperweight with Sphere Shape in Grey Bardiglio Marble

By Fiammetta V.

Located in Carrara, IT

Paperweight with sphere shape in grey Bardiglio marble. Measure: Diameter 8 cm Each piece is in a way unique (since each marble block is different in veins and shades) and handcra...

Category

2010s Italian Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Marble

Previously Available Items
19th Century Polychrome Sculpture of a Roman Woman
19th Century Polychrome Sculpture of a Roman Woman

19th Century Polychrome Sculpture of a Roman Woman

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Italian original painted plaster sculpture of a young Roman woman in nice gilt dress and flower wreath. This well sculptured smiling lady cou...

Category

1880s Italian Antique Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Plaster

19th Century Gilt Bronze Eagle Fragment on White Marble Stand, Italy
19th Century Gilt Bronze Eagle Fragment on White Marble Stand, Italy

19th Century Gilt Bronze Eagle Fragment on White Marble Stand, Italy

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Italian gilt bronze sculpture of an eagle on a rectangular white Carrera piece of marble. The high quality of the gilt work and the early age makes the eagl...

Category

1810s Italian Antique Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Carrara Marble, Bronze

Turn of the Century French Bronze Sculpture
Turn of the Century French Bronze Sculpture

Turn of the Century French Bronze Sculpture

Sold

H 7.5 in W 3.5 in D 4.1 in

Turn of the Century French Bronze Sculpture

Located in High Point, NC

Made at the turn of the century in France, this bronze sculpture exudes a sense of peaceful contemplation. The detailed form depicts a seated woman, clothed in flowing robes. In one hand, dropped at her side, she holds a mirror; her face is turned away in a gesture of pensive serenity. The burnished patina of the bronze lends a gentle glow to the curves of her body and the raised folds of the cloth...

Category

Early 1900s French Antique Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Bronze

Antique Victorian English Neoclassical Bronze Figural Musician Harp Bookends
Antique Victorian English Neoclassical Bronze Figural Musician Harp Bookends

Antique Victorian English Neoclassical Bronze Figural Musician Harp Bookends

Located in Dayton, OH

Two antique Victorian Neoclassical bronze bookends featuring a left and right facing pair of Greek or Grecian woman playing a harp (harpists). Marked England. Measure: 7".

Category

Late 19th Century Antique Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Brass Football Paperweight
Vintage Brass Football Paperweight

Vintage Brass Football Paperweight

Located in Moreno Valley, CA

Vintage brass American football paperweight or decorative sport memorabilia. Large and heavy. Great football sculpture in cast brass, football trophy...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Brass

18th-19th Century Neoclassical Italian Marble Claw
18th-19th Century Neoclassical Italian Marble Claw

18th-19th Century Neoclassical Italian Marble Claw

Located in Buisson, FR

Beautiful marble fragment, Italy, circa 1780-1850. Great to use as a paper weight. Weathered.

Category

18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Marble

Brass William Shakespeare Repousse Embossed Round Charger Plate
Brass William Shakespeare Repousse Embossed Round Charger Plate

Brass William Shakespeare Repousse Embossed Round Charger Plate

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Antique 38" brass William Shakespear repousse embossed large round charger plate. Item features large impressive size, embossed maidens surrounding the frame, with William Shakespear...

Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Brass

French Gilt Bronze and Malachite Lion Paperweight
French Gilt Bronze and Malachite Lion Paperweight

French Gilt Bronze and Malachite Lion Paperweight

Sold

H 1.78 in W 3.15 in D 3.15 in

French Gilt Bronze and Malachite Lion Paperweight

Located in London, GB

French gilt bronze and malachite lion paperweight French, early 20th century Measures: Height 4.5cm, width 8cm, depth 8cm This elegant paperweigh...

Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Malachite, Bronze, Ormolu

Italian Silver and Enamel Paperweight -Vesubio
Italian Silver and Enamel Paperweight -Vesubio

Italian Silver and Enamel Paperweight -Vesubio

Sold

H 0.52 in W 3.75 in D 3.75 in

Italian Silver and Enamel Paperweight -Vesubio

Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Italian silver and enamel paperweight -Vesubio- Memory of the eruption of Vesuvius Naples 1839 perfect condition Sealed Italian Palata 935 Weight 235 grams Goldsmith G Petochi...

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1950s Italian Vintage Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Silver

Italian Antonio Canova White Marble Hand Sculpture, Early 19th Century
Italian Antonio Canova White Marble Hand Sculpture, Early 19th Century

Italian Antonio Canova White Marble Hand Sculpture, Early 19th Century

By Antonio Canova

Located in Haddonfield, NJ

Early 19th Century white marble artist hand sculpture. Delicate and smooth, this lovely white marble sculpture of a hand delicately holding a pen between it's fingers is the perfect ...

Category

Early 19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Marble

18th-19th Century Neoclassical Italian Marble Claw
18th-19th Century Neoclassical Italian Marble Claw

18th-19th Century Neoclassical Italian Marble Claw

Located in Buisson, FR

Beautiful marble fragment, Italy, circa 1780-1850. Great to use as a paper weight. Weathered.

Category

18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Paperweights

Materials

Marble

Neoclassical paperweights for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical paperweights for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Mid-20th Century, 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, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with stone, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical paperweights made in a specific country, there are Europe, Italy, and England pieces for sale on 1stDibs. 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 $219 and tops out at $2,185 while the average work can sell for $595.