This group of paperweights is a representative sample of the 1930s Chinese Paperweights made in an attempt to duplicate 19th Century antique weights made in the United States and France and the US.  Because they are almost 80 years old, they are very collectible.  Every collector should own a few of these as study pieces.  I have also included some other Chinese paperweights that are newer or uniquely Chinese.

The Chinese makers often combined design features found in paperweights from different makers.  For example they copied the latticinio grounds used by New England Glass Company and used them with copies of Baccarat Pansy weights.  They copied the pedestal rose from Millville and then used the pedestal bottom with other weights.  It is fun to collect all the variations.

Most have a light weight glass mixture that is high in soda and has a greenish tinge. The glass also has a soft almost oily feel. Frequently they have bubbles or debris in the glass.  And because of their age, many of these have minor scratches or other surface defects.

For more information on Chinese paperweights, there is a great chapter on Chinese paperweights in the book World Paperweights: Millefiori and Lampwork by Robert Hall.  The book includes a price guide.  For this and other great references on paperweights, check out my list of paperweight books for sale.

If you are interested in purchasing any of these paperweights, e-mail Allan Port at: aport@paperweights.com
 

1604	Chinese Concentric Millefiori Paperweight. c.1930. This is a copy of a Clichy paperweight from France made in the classic period from 1845-1860. Clear ground.   A nice very large example, full of canes and with great color.  It has some very unusual turquoise canes. Please ignore the white areas, they are glare from the lights.  Size:  3 1/4" diameter by 1 2/3" high.  Unsigned.  Very good condition with no chips or cracks.  Some light surface scratches.          SOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
2456	Faceted Chinese Pansy Paperweight. circa 1930.  This is a copy of a Baccarat Type III Pansy paperweight from France made in the classic period from 1845-1860.  There is a lampwork pansy with millefiori center, plus stem, buds, and leaves.  This paperweight has spiral latticinio ground, sometimes called a double latticinio ground because of the way the rods cross back on each other.  This is a splendid example with one top facet and 17 side facets.  This paperweight was made to fool the collector into believing they are getting the real antique Baccarat Pansy.  It is a very good copy, but Baccarat never used latticinio grounds.  The Chinese learned to make the latticinio grounds by copying those from New England Glass Company paperweights.  Chinese paperweights like this have become very collectible.  With its faceting, this is a superb example and is worthy of any collection.  Please ignore the white areas, they are glare from the lights.  Size:  Just over 2 3/4" diameter by 2" high.  Unsigned.  Excellent condition with no chips or cracks.  There are some very light surface scratches and some tiny nicks on the facets. The base is ground concave.  Listed in Hall's book with a price guide of $450-500.      SOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
2101	Chinese Fantasy Flower Paperweight. c.1930. This is a copy of a French Baccarat 12 petal fantasy flower paperweight made in the classic period from 1845-1860.  It has a clear ground and a millefiori center.  Size:  2 3/4" diameter by 2" high. Unsigned.  The bottom has been ground flat.  Very good condition with a few small nicks and scratches.  The glass has debris and bubbles common to weights of this type.  $70 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
557	Chinese Red Poinsettia Paperweight. c.1930. This is a copy of a Boston and Sandwich Glass Company (Sandwich, Massachusetts) Red Poinsettia made in 1869. Millefiori center.  Clear ground.  Size:  2 3/4" diameter by 2" high.  Scratch signed CHINA on the bottom.  The bottom has been ground flat.  Excellent condition. SOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image.
1075	Chinese Millefiori Paperweight. c.1930. This is a copy of a paperweight from France made in the classic period from 1845-1860. Clear ground.   Possibly based on a Baccarat paneled carpet ground design.  A nice very large example, full of canes and with great color. Please ignore the white areas, they are glare from the lights.  Size:  3 1/4" diameter by 1 3/4" high.  Unsigned.  Very good condition with no chips or cracks.  Some light surface scratches. $85 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
2454	Chinese Concentric Millefiori Paperweight. c.1930. This is a copy of a Clichy paperweight from France made in the classic period from 1845-1860.  Clear ground.   A nice example although there is quite a bit of dirt in the glass.  Size:  2 1/2" diameter by 1 1/3" high.  Not signed.  One small chip on the side plus some pitting in the glass.  $35 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
1247	Rare Chinese Millefiori Nosegay Paperweight.  c.1930.  This is a Chinese copy of a New England Glass Company Posy paperweight made c1860.  It has the fancy NEGC quatrefoil faceting and setup.  Millefiori nosegay of red, blue, and yellow millefiori canes with four green leaves and a stem.  All this surrounded by two garlands of complex millefiori, one made up pink and blue flowers, the other made pink and white flowers with green centers.  This great setup is on top of a latticinio swirl ground. Size:  3" diameter by 2 1/8" high.  The bottom is ground concave (rare in Chinese weights). Unsigned.  Excellent condition.  This is an unusually large example in exceptional condition  Listed in Hall's book with a price guide of $450-500.  $225 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
1004	Chinese Scramble Paperweight. c.1930. This is a copy of a French scramble (probably Clichy or St. Louis) made in the classic period from 1845-1860. Clear ground. This style is made with a higher profile than the patterned millefiori weights. Size:  3 1/4" diameter by 2 3/8" high. Scratch signed CHINA on the bottom.  The bottom has been ground flat.  Great condition with some minor scratches and pinpricks.    SOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image.
880	Chinese Fantasy Flower Paperweight. c.1930. This is a copy of a French Baccarat 12 petal fantasy flower paperweight made in the classic period from 1845-1860.  Swirling latticinio ground with a millefiori center.  Size:  3 1/3" diameter by 1 7/8" high. Unsigned.  The bottom has been ground flat.  Very good condition.  This weight has one serious flaw in that the bud is slightly misplaced and is not at the end of the bud stem where it should be.  The surface has a rough texture common to weights of this type.      SOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image.
1095	Chinese Concentric Millefiori Paperweight. c.1930. This is a copy of a Clichy or Baccarat paperweight from France made in the classic period from 1845-1860. Clear ground. This type is not as common as the other patterned millefiori weights, nor is it as intricate.  The millefiori canes are simple canes.  Perhaps it was made later or perhaps by a different factory. Size:  2 1/2" diameter by 1 3/4" high. Unsigned.  Bottom is ground flat.  Good condition with several nicks on the side. SOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image.
877	Chinese Fantasy Flower Paperweight. c.1930. This is a copy of a French Baccarat 12 petal fantasy flower paperweight made in the classic period from 1845-1860.  Clear ground with a millefiori center.  Size:  2 3/4" diameter by 2" high. Unsigned.  The bottom has been ground flat.  Excellent condition.   An outstanding example.    SOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image.
672	Chinese Concentric Millefiori Paperweight. c.1930. This is a copy of a Clichy paperweight from France made in the classic period from 1845-1860. Clear ground.  Size:  2 3/4" diameter by 1 3/8" high. Unsigned. Good condition although it does have some scratches and a few nicks on the top. $30 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
605	Chinese Scramble Paperweight. c.1960 to 1970. This is a copy of a French scramble (probably Clichy or St. Louis) made in the classic period from 1845-1860. Clear ground. This style is made with a higher profile than the patterned millefiori weights.  I believe this paperweight was made in the mid 20th century (1960-1970).  I have included this as a modern example to contrast to the 1930s examples elsewhere on this page.  Size:  2 1/2" diameter by 2" high. Unsigned.  The bottom is partially finished and has been ground slightly concave.  Excellent condition.  No flaws.        SOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
942	Chinese Millefiori Brushholder Paperweight. c.1930-1940.  Although you can see the origins in the millefiori copies above, the functional shape is a uniquely Chinese invention.  The shape is flower with applied petals around the outside.  This has been described as a brushholder or chopstick holder.  Novelty items like this started appearing in the US in the 1930s and some were sold at the 1939 World's Fair. Size:  2" diameter by 1 3/8" high. Unsigned.  Excellent condition.         SOLD  Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
1191	Chinese Millefiori Brushholder Paperweight. c.1930-1940. This is another uniquely Chinese invention.  This has also been described as a brushholder or chopstick holder.  Novelty items like this started appearing in the US in the 1930s and some were sold at the 1939 World's Fair. Size:  2 5/8" diameter by 1 3/4" high. Unsigned.  Excellent condition.      SOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image.
2041	Rare Chinese Enameled Clipper Ship Plaque Paperweight. c.1930-1940. This is a uniquely Chinese invention.  This paperweight is shown in Hollister's Encyclopedia of Glass Paperweights (Figure 2.36).  It is an enamel painting of a ship on a white enamel plaque.  This is a collectible example of a hard to find style. Size:  2 1/3" diameter by 1 3/8" high. Unsigned.  Good condition.  The surface has a number of scratches and small pit marks.  The glass has a noticeable amount of debris in it.  $55 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
307	Chinese Single Marble Paperweight. c.1930. Another uniquely Chinese invention. Delicate red flower with millefiori center on top of a latticework flowerpot.  Encased in a rectangular glass block with beveled edges.  Size:  1 1/4" by 1 1/4" by 1 1/2" high. Unsigned.  Poor condition with quite a number of chips on the corners and edges plus a dimple on top.    SOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image.
2455	Chinese Pansy Paperweight. c.1930. This is a copy of a Baccarat Type III Pansy paperweight from France made in the classic period from 1845-1860. It has spiral latticinio ground.  This is sometimes called a double latticinio ground because of the way the rods cross back on each other.   This is an excellent example with  This paperweight was made to fool the collector into believing they are getting the real Baccarat Pansy.  It is a very good copy, but Baccarat never used latticinio grounds.  Unfortunately the Chinese did not use lead crystal like Baccarat.  And the paperweight does not have the brilliant clarity that we expect to find in a fine paperweight.  Faceted examples, like the one found elsewhere on this page, compensate for the lack clarity by reducing the amount of glass between the pansy lampwork and the viewer.  Please ignore the white areas, they are glare from the lights.  Size:  2 3/4" diameter by 2" high.  Unsigned.  Excellent condition with no chips or cracks.  There are, however, some scratches on the dome (visible in the pictures).  The base is ground concave.  Listed in Hall's book with a price guide of $350-450.  $225 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
2238	Chinese Millefiori Perfume Bottle or Inkwell. c.1930.  Matching concentric millefiori pattern in the base and the stopper.  Each has four rings of millefiori around a central floral cane.  The base is footed.  I would call this bottle a scent or perfume bottle because of the long stopper that reaches almost to the bottom of the well.  A very desirable Chinese paperweight collectible. This is a copy of a Whitefriars inkwell from about 1920.  You can see the Whitefriars version by clicking this link or by visiting the Whitefriars web page.  Note the similarity right down to the footed base.  Size:  3 1/8" diameter by 5 1/2" high.  Excellent condition with only minor wear consistent with age.  As is typical of Chinese paperweights from this period, there is some debris in the glass and it has a greenish hue. For comparable pricing, check lot 288 in Selman's Fall 2002 auction, in which a similar sized bottle brought $303 against an estimate of $275-$400.  $195 postage paid in the US.  Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
1265	Chinese Patterned Millefiori Paperweight. c.1970. This is a  modern Chinese copy of a French paperweight (probably Clichy or St. Louis).  It has a clear ground.  I included this as a modern example to contrast to the 1930s examples above.  Size:  2 1/2" diameter by 2 1/4" high  Partial paper label "Made in China."  The bottom has been ground flat.  Excellent condition with some minor surface scratches.    SOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image.
2204	Chinese Pedestal Flower with Bird Paperweight. Unknown Age.  This is a good example of a Chinese adaptation of features of older American weights.  The pedestal form is generally associated with Millville crimp roses.  The bird in this setting is uniquely Chinese.  The pedestal has a double foot.  Some collectors believe this is a recent example because the variety was unknown until a few years ago and the thin leaves are more typical of post 1970 Chinese flowers.  Size:  2 3/4" diameter by 3 1/8" high  Unsigned.  Excellent condition.  $85 postage paid in the US.  Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
670	Chinese Millefiori Candlestick. c.1930.  Concentric millefiori pattern in the base.  This was originally the base from a inkwell or perfume and was refinished to make a candlestick.  Size:  3" diameter by 3 1/16" high.  Excellent condition with only minor wear consistent with age.           SOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
2376	Signed Chinese Closepack Millefiori Paperweight. c.1930. This is a copy of a French antique paperweight from 1845-1860.  Most likely it was based on a Clichy closepack design.  Clear ground.  A nice example with great color. Please ignore the white areas, they are glare from the lights.  Size:  2 3/4" diameter by 1 3/8" high.  Scratch signed "CHINA".  Very good condition with no chips or cracks.  Some surface scratches  $55 postage paid in the US. Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
2167	Chinese Footed Crimp Rose.  Circa 1930.  This is a 1930s Chinese copy of a Millville Crimp Rose.  It has 12 ruby colored petals and four green leaves.  At the base is a double foot.  The South Jersey Crimp Rose is one of the most famous American paperweights.  The best makers were Emil Larson of Vineland, New Jersey and Ralph Barber of Millville, New Jersey.  There were also other makers.  Newell's Old Glass Paperweights of Southern New Jersey shows examples of both the South Jersey weight and the 1930s Chinese copy. Size:  3 1/4" diameter by 3 1/2" high  Unsigned.  The base is ground concave. Very good condition although this weight has two chips on the foot and a repair to the foot.  The repaired section consists of a slice of the foot which has been expertly replaced.  Both chips and the repair are visible in the closeup pictures.  The paperweight displays wonderfully in spite of these flaws.. Paperweights of this type often sell in the $200 to $300 range.  However because of the damage and repair, I am offering this at a bargain price. $75 postage paid in the US.  Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
1177	Chinese Footed Pink Rose.  Circa 1980-2000.  This is a modern Chinese copy of a Millville Crimp Rose.  It has 19 pink colored petals and three green leaves.  There is a central stamen made with a complex millefiori cane.  At the base is a double foot.  Unlike the 1930s copy, this more recent copy of the Millville Crimp Rose has thin petals and is a lampwork rose rather than a crimp rose.  Lampwork flowers are assembled at a hot torch (lamp) before being encased in glass.  Crimp roses are made by a more difficult process that creates the rose in a single step using a metal crimp.  Size:  2 7/8" diameter by 3" high  Unsigned.  The base is ground flat.  Excellent condition.  No chips or cracks.  SOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image
2219	Chinese Figural Bird Paperweight with Millefiori.  Circa 1980-2000.  This is a modern Chinese figural paperweight in the form of a bird.  There are millefiori canes in the base.  There are two dots of color for the eyes and a pinched beak.  Also two bumps on the back for wings. The millefiori canes used in modern paperweights are distinct from the style used in the 1930s. Size:  2 1/2" tall by about 1 3/4" diameter at the base.  The base is ground flat.  Excellent condition.  No chips or cracks.       SOLD Click on the picture to see a larger image.	Click on the picture to see a larger image

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Revised 5/13/2009