Vintage Gentile Art Glass Paperweight – Handblown Mottled Glass

Striking vintage Gentile art glass paperweight, handblown with a richly saturated mottled and confetti-style interior in layered blues, aquas, greens, and warm amber tones. The piece has excellent optical depth, a smooth polished dome, and substantial weight—classic hallmarks of quality studio glass. Excellent vintage condition. No cracks or chips. The Gentile glassmaking legacy began with Peter Gentile (1884– ), born in Naples, Italy, where he learned traditional glassworking techniques. He later worked in Rochester, Pennsylvania, and Morgantown, West Virginia, before establishing his own factory in Star City, West Virginia, in 1947. Peter’s sons—Frankie, John, and Joe Gentile—assisted in paperweight production during off-hours at the Guild Factory in Morgantown, helping build what would become a recognized American studio glass tradition. Following World War II, most Gentile paperweights are attributed to Peter Gentile, John Gentile, or John’s wife, Gertrude Gentile, who was also actively involved in production. Early Gentile paperweights were rarely signed prior to 1963, making unsigned examples from the mid-20th century common and historically appropriate. After 1975, most Gentile paperweights were signed. John Gentile passed away in 2006, and it is believed that Gentile Glass ceased operations shortly thereafter, bringing an end to this multi-generational glassmaking family.