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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 The modernists rejected both natural and historical references and relied primarily on industrial materials such as metal, glass, plywood, and, later, plastics.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
Set of 2 Brass Luna Paper Weights by Stem Design
Located in Geneve, CH
Set of 2 Brass Luna Paper Weights by Stem Design Dimensions: Ø 8 x H 3 cm. Materials: Brass. Finish: Tumbled and burnished. Weight: 0,5 kg (each.) Finished and assembled by hand in India. Also available in aluminum. Please contact us. Sand-cast in solid metal, the Luna paperweight is a minimal object with a strong character. Surface pitting and production marks developed through the casting process are left untreated to retain the material’s richness, to allow for a more profound interaction. Luna has a timeless ornamental quality that is both decorative and functional. The objects layers on as a metaphor and showcases the beauty of being who you are. It strips off all the layers of ornamentation and artificial finishes to build an immediate and intuitive connection with the product that lasts a lifetime. Stem is a contemporary Indian product...
Category

2010s Indian Modern Paperweights

Materials

Brass

Peach Bookend Mould Project by Theodora Alfredsdottir
Located in Geneve, CH
Peach bookend mould project by Theodora Alfredsdottir. Unique Materials: Jesmonite Dimensions: 110 x 80 x 180mm. Theodora Alfredsdottir is a product design studio based in Lond...
Category

2010s English Modern Paperweights

Materials

Cement

VALLETTA GLASS - Marbleized Paperweight Vase/Candle Holder - Malta - Circa 2000
Located in Chatham, ON
VALLETTA GLASS (Manufacturer) - PAUL SAID (Owner/Designer) - Vintage Maltese studio glass paperweight vase or candle holder - featuring a striking combination of multicolor marbleize...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Maltese Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass, Blown Glass

Wooden Christmas Tree Mega FIR – Cedar, 62 cm
Located in Orlando, FL
The solid cedar Christmas tree is made entirely from natural cedar wood and adds an elegant touch to your holiday decor with its minimalist design. Inspired by the form of the fir tr...
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Paperweights

Materials

Wood, Oak

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

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

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

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

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,...
Category

20th Century American Modern Paperweights

Materials

Crystal

20th Century, Enzo Mari for Danese Paperweight Mod. Tokelau
Located in Turin, Turin
Very modernist Paperweight designed by the great designer Enzo Mari for the manufacturer Danese Milano in 1983. The paperweight is called model "Tokelau" that is a Polynesian word me...
Category

1980s Italian Vintage Modern Paperweights

Materials

Stainless Steel, Iron

Clear Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin 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

Andrew Szoeke wood paperweight cube sculpture " E"
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Nice and great design in this paperweight with different types of letters style . Has label .
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Paperweights

Materials

Wood

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

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

Blue Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin 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

Yellow Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin 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

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Lime Green Resin 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

Resin and Metal Islanders Hockey Paperweight
Located in Queens, NY
Resin and metal paperweight featuring New York Islanders\' hockey rosters from Stanley Cup-winning teams from 1979-1983
Category

20th Century American Modern Paperweights

Materials

Metal

Limited Edition Cast Sculpture in Bronze or Brass, Constantin 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

Strawberry Pink Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin 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

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

Tiffany Co. Crystal Glass Musical Note Paperweight
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous crystal glass musical note paper weight By Tiffany and Co. USA, Late 20th Century Measures: 3"W x 4.13"D x 0.75"H Good original vintage condition.
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Paperweights

Materials

Crystal

Geometric Sculpture in Polished Lime Green Resin 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

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

Aqua and Clear Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin 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

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

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

Enzo Mari, Rare Cube Resin with Black Ball Sphere, Sculpture/Paperweight
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

Set of 3 Trays. From The Tempera series
Located in Miami Beach, FL
The Tempera series is made with upcycled duck egg yolk discarded by the pharmaceutical industry which is bio-degradable. Every piece is hand-made, color and measurement may slightly ...
Category

2010s Korean Modern Paperweights

Materials

Shell

Paul Ysart Poinsettia on a Pink White Latticino Ground Glass Paperweight
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

White and Clear Marbled Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin 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

Signed Italian Silver Mounted Pietra Dura Paperweight with Flower by G. Fiaschi
By Richard Blow, Giuseppe Fiaschi
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

Orange Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin 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

Lime Green Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin 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

White Semi Sphere Sculpture in Polished Resin 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

Murano Decorative Obelisk by Seguso
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

Vintage Signed Arthur Court Bronze Dog Puppies Paperweight Desk Accessory
Located in North Miami, FL
This delightful and charming vintage signed bronze paperweight sculpture are of 6 connecting puppy dogs linked together in different positions. It is hallmarked Arthur Court Designs C. 1979. This is a rare piece. He rarely did his work in bronze. It retains the original darkened patina and has not been polished nor will be. It has weight, interest and makes a fabulous desk accessory. Love this small...
Category

1970s American Vintage Modern Paperweights

Materials

Bronze

Shocking Pink Paperweight Art Glass Egg Controlled Bubble Tapio Wirkkala Style
Located in Chula Vista, CA
For your consideration, a shocking pink paperweight controlled bubble art glass decorative egg design signed 1990. Initials MSH 90 (Mount Saint Hellen...
Category

1990s Unknown Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass

Contemporary Hand-engraved Aquamarine Sculpture by Ghirò Studio
Located in Pieve Emanuele, Milano
The "Cactus" Sculpture is not only an elegant and modern piece of furniture but it is also a unique and unrepeatable sculpture. This incredible object has been worked and sculpted...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paperweights

Materials

Glass

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

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

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

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

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

Ghidini 1961 Small Rabbit in Polished Brass by Stefano Giovannoni
Located in Villa Carcina, IT
Decorative object in brass "The rabbit is the latest iconic object I have designed. For Ghidini it has turned into a family of precious metal objects: salt and pepper, paperweight ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paperweights

Materials

Brass

1989-90’s Clear Crystal Lexus LS 400 Car Paperweight
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a clear crystal Lexus LS 400 car paperweight. Very nicely you can see through the crystal the inside details of the car, like the seats and the b...
Category

20th Century Japanese Modern Paperweights

Materials

Crystal

English Teign Valley Red Art Glass Sculpture Paper Weight Bookend
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A wonderful hand blown art glass sculpture from Teign Valley Glass in England. The shop has been around since the early 20th C. and is renowned for ...
Category

20th Century English Modern Paperweights

Materials

Art Glass

Shell Sculpture Paperweight by Mikasa
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Intricate hand blown glass shell sculpture with silver specks / Made in Japan by Kurata for retailer Mikasa, circa 1980s Original sticker on the base ...
Category

Late 20th Century Japanese Modern Paperweights

Materials

Blown Glass

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 inches, width 3 inches, height 2 inches This piece makes for a great...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paperweights

Materials

Stone

Agate Onyx Paperweight
Agate Onyx Paperweight
$270 Sale Price
40% 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

Agate Onyx Paperweight
Agate Onyx Paperweight
$270 Sale Price
40% 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 4 inches, height 2.25 inch This piece makes for a grea...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paperweights

Materials

Stone

Agate Onyx Paperweight
Agate Onyx Paperweight
$270 Sale Price
40% 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 4.5 inches, height 1 inch This piece makes for a great...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Paperweights

Materials

Stone

Agate Onyx Paperweight
Agate Onyx Paperweight
$270 Sale Price
40% Off
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

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

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

Clear Modern Sculptural Glass Object Sculpture or Paperweight Table Decor
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
Modern sculptural glass object. Very heavy. The base is a rounded hexagon shape and very solid. Solid short blunt glass rods protrude from the base. A beautiful sculptural piece to a...
Category

1950s American Vintage Modern Paperweights

Materials

Glass, Blown Glass

Signed Glass Abstract Paperweight Red, Black, Orange, Gold, White For Desk
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

Swedish Sommerso Black Charcoal Gray Clear Abstract Freeform Glass Paperweight
Located in North Miami, FL
This unusual freeform abstract glass sommerso paperweight changes forms, shapes and dynamics with each turn and placement. Colors of gradients of black, charcoal gray to gray are imm...
Category

1970s European Vintage Modern Paperweights

Materials

Blown Glass

Single "Cailloux" Paperweight by Roberto Sambonet for Baccarat, 1977
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Single "Cailloux" Paperweight by Roberto Sambonet for Baccarat, 1977. Rare paperweight from the "Cailloux" or "Pebbles" series designed by Roberto Sambonet for Baccarat in 1975-77. Polished on all sides, its design was meant to recall a sea stone smoothed down by the crashing of the waves. Sambonet also designed the "Cailloux" to highlight the exceptional qualities of Baccarat crystal; feeling weighty and perfectly smooth in the hand, and resembling a crystal clear cube of ice. This 6x6x6cm design was the foundation of the series. References: "Design: Roberto Sambonet" Federico Motta Editore, 1993 "Roberto Sambonet, design, grafico, artista (1924-1995)" exhibition catalog, 2008 "BACCARAT nouvelles formes d'art design par Roberto Sambonet" brochure, 1977 BACCARAT Clear Crystal Cube Paperweight. From the French luxury crystal Maison Baccarat, a beautiful clear transparent cube paperweight or decorative object. Acid stamped marked "Baccarat France", cube shaped crystal paperweight with rounded edges. Dimensions: 2 inches tall and 2 inches wide. Condition: Minor surface wearing. Collectible Baccarat Crystal Paperweight...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Paperweights

Materials

Crystal

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

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.