London Paperweights

Beautiful hand cast gingko leaf in patinated brass paperweight. Each of these brass leaves are handmade individually with incredible detail. Cast using ve...

This is a superb decorative antique Italian Grand Tour marble Pietra Dura mounted desk paperweight, circa 1880 in date. This splendid rectangular paperweight is exquisitely inlaid with a sumptuous arrangement of semi-precious stones including malachite, agate, onyx and amethyst. It is beautifully inlaid on a slate base. Not only is this desk paperweight very functional, but it is also an exquisite mineralogical wonder that can be admired by all discerning collectors. Condition: In excellent condition, please see photos for confirmation, Dimensions in cm: Height 2 x Width 17 x Depth 10 Dimensions in inches: Height 1 inch x width 7 inches x depth 4 inches. Pietra dura is a term for the inlay technique of using cut and fitted, highly polished coloured stones to create images. It is considered a decorative art. Pietre dure is an Italian plural meaning "hard rocks" or hardstones; the singular pietra dura is also encountered in Italian. In Italian, but not in English, the term embraces all gem engraving and hardstone carving, which is the artistic carving of three-dimensional objects in semi-precious stone, normally from a single piece, for example in Chinese jade. The traditional convention in English has been to use the singular pietra dura just to denote multi-colored inlay work. However, in recent years there has been a trend to use pietre dure as a term for the same thing, but not for all of the techniques it covers, in Italian. But the title of a 2008 exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Art of the Royal Court: Treasures in Pietre Dure from the Palaces of Europe used the full Italian sense of the term, probably because they thought that it had greater brand recognition. The material on the website speaks of objects such as a vase in lapis lazuli as being examples of "hardstone carving (pietre dure)" The Victoria & Albert Museum in London uses both versions on its website, but uses pietra dura. "A method of inlaying coloured marbles or semi-precious stones into a stone base, often in geometric or flower patterns...." Giovanni Montelatici...

This is a superb decorative antique Italian Grand Tour marble Pietra Dura mounted desk paperweight, circa 1880 in date. This splendid rectangular paperweight is exquisitely inlai...

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 ...

This is a stunning decorative antique Italian Grand Tour Vatican Micro-Mosaic inset black marble desk weight, in the form of a miniature table, circa 1870 ...

Handmade cast brass leaf with stunning details, a beautiful bronze patina finish and polished highlights. Ideal as an elegant paperweight or just a charming decorative object. Each ...

This delightful little owl silvered metal paperweight has gorgeous orange and black glass eyes. She or he is surprisingly heavy and is therefore perfect for what s/he was designed ...

Large decorative magnifier lens with domed glass magnification, encased in eye shape brass cast frame. Very decorative piece that can also be displayed a s paper weight of desk acces...

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...

Surrealist paperweight sculptures have eyes screen printed on sharp cut acrylic shapes. The eyes reflect on the different angles and depending on your position they are visible or va...

Rare magnifying glass and desk weight in the shape of a nut. Vienna, 1960s Dia: 10cm wide. Excellent condition in a vintage gift box.

Modernist French paperweight with a pivoting dice in the manner of Edgar Brandt.

Modernist French paperweight with a pivoting dice in the manner of Edgar Brandt.

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...

Hand-sculpted and bronze cast ashtray or paper weight is made in the 1970s and is signed. The shape is square and the pattern looks like a river that finds its natural way through a ...

A magnificent quality and very rare English George III or Regency white marble, patinated bronze and ormolu paperweight by the eminent maker Thomas Weeks of Tichborne St. London. On ...

Steel hobbing foot with wooden base. Circa 1900 H 21cm x W 25cm x D 16cm