Photo courtesy of Kaufmann Mercantile

I love brass accessories. They add a bit of gleam, especially when used sparingly. I recently came across these stunning brass desk trays with cut corners on Kaufmann Mercantile, the online purveyor of all things cool, slightly rustic and well-designed since 2009. 

The trays, which range in size, are perfect for holding objects that would otherwise create a messy and cluttered surface. Made in the oldest Japanese metal foundry, in operation since 1897, each surface finish and patina is unique, since it is sanded down after being removed from its mold. 

Originally designed Oji Masanori, a designer of pared-down household objects, the trays hold their own today, looking just as fresh as they did all those years ago.