Kanawha Glass | Zimmerman Art Glass | Unknown

Vintage Art Glass Pear Paperweights | Kanawha, Zimmerman & Unmarked Studio Glass | Mid-Century to Late 20th Century

Select your preferred pear paperweight from the options below: Kanawha Glass Controlled Bubble Pear (Amber) Zimmerman Art Glass Pear (Signed) Green Controlled Bubble Pear Yellow Murano-Style Pear

$35.00 USD

~~$0.00 USD~~ $35.00 USD

Sale Sold out

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Low stock: 1 left

Type:: Art Glass Pear Paperweights
Era:: Late 20th Century (1970–1999)
Origin:: Dunbar, West Virgina | Corydon, Indiana
Maker:: Kanawha Glass | Zimmerman Art Glass
Material:: Blown glass
Dimensions:: 4 ¼” to 6 ¾” high
Condition:: Excellent (EX)
Color:: Amber, Green, Yellow, Orange
Notes:: Original label on Kanawha piece; signed Zimmerman piece

A charming collection of hand-blown art glass pear paperweights—mid-century color, form, and craftsmanship.

Collector’s Note

Fruit-form art glass—especially pears—became a beloved expression of mid-20th century studio glass, blending realism with playful color and technique. From controlled bubble designs to richly layered opaque finishes, these pieces showcase the artistry of American glassmakers alongside the broader Murano-inspired aesthetic that influenced decorative glass of the era.

Perfect for shelves, desks, or kitchen displays, glass pears add a pop of color and sculptural interest. Group them together for a collected look or place individually where a small, vibrant accent is needed—on a stack of books, beside a window, or as part of a curated vignette

A beautifully curated group of four hand-blown art glass pear paperweights, each offering a distinct interpretation of this classic decorative form. All pieces are in excellent condition with no noted damage.

Sold individually and ranging from labeled American studio glass to unmarked Murano-style pieces, the collection highlights variation in technique, color, and craftsmanship.

Kanawha Glass Controlled Bubble Pear (Amber)

A classic mid-century example featuring amber glass with a controlled bubble design encased in clear glass, finished with a clear stem and leaf.

4 ¼” high
Retains original foil label: Kanawha Hand Crafted Glassware, Dunbar, West Virginia.

Zimmerman Art Glass Pear (Signed)

A larger, studio-crafted example by Joe Zimmerman, featuring opaque yellow glass with orange accents and a green stem and leaf. A striking sculptural piece from one of America’s longstanding glassmaking families.

6 ¾” high
Signed Joe Zimmerman (1923 - 1986)

Green Controlled Bubble Pear

Bright emerald green glass with a controlled bubble interior under clear casing, accented by a clear stem and leaf. A clean, modernist interpretation with strong display presence.

4 ¾” high
Unmarked

Yellow Murano-Style Pear

Opaque yellow glass with warm orange mottling, paired with a green stem and leaf. Notable for its naturalistic shaping, including a subtle dimple at the base.

4 ½” high
Unmarked

Historical Note

American studio glass flourished in the mid-20th century, with companies like Kanawha Glass emerging in Dunbar, West Virginia and competing alongside Blenko, Viking, and Pilgrim. These makers embraced bold color, experimental techniques, and sculptural forms influenced in part by Italian Murano glass.

Family-run studios such as Zimmerman Art Glass in Corydon, Indiana, carried forward traditional glassblowing techniques while adapting to modern decorative tastes, producing pieces that remain highly collectible today.

Just a quick heads‑up: the photos reveal details far better than text alone, so they’re worth a close review.

We share as much accurate information as possible about each item—from provenance to condition—but the images often show the nuances best. If you ever need more details, we’re always happy to help.