I’ve always been drawn to objects that carry stories in their weight and form. When the Mudskipper brass paperweight arrived, I unwrapped it slowly, feeling the cool, substantial brass in my palm. It’s smaller than I imagined—just over six centimeters long—but the heft is undeniable. There’s something deeply satisfying about how it sits on my stack of loose notes, holding them in place without any fuss.

Designed by Tadahiro Baba and crafted by Sumitani Saburo Shoten, a foundry with over 400 years of history, this piece feels like a quiet nod to Japanese metalwork traditions. I didn’t expect it to become such a focal point on my desk, but it has. The minimalist shape—clean lines, no unnecessary details—somehow makes my workspace feel more intentional. It’s functional, yes, but it’s also a small piece of art.

One morning, while sipping coffee and shuffling through mail, I noticed how the brass catches the ligt differently throughout the day. It turns out better than I thought—this little object has become a grounding presence. If you’re curious, you can view product here. At $75, it’s an investment in everyday beauty, and for me, it was worth every penny.