On October 27th, we visited Yamatadaikatouen, which has a studio in Takada-cho, Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture.
Our visit took place during a busy time as they were loading the kilns.
The kiln at Yamatada Katouen is large, and it takes about two weeks to shape the amount of pottery that will fit in the kiln, then load it into the kiln and fire it. The firing time is about 27 hours, and by firing slowly and carefully, the grinding pattern is hardened. The general firing time is about 10 hours, so it takes a long time to make one mortar at Yamatada Katouen.
The JUJU mortier, which we also carry in our shop, is a mortar created by Kato Tomoya, the seventh generation owner of this kiln, and is characterized by its "hamon kushime" (ripple comb) grinding pattern, which took about nine years to perfect. The biggest difference from conventional mortars is that the ingredients are less likely to escape upwards while grinding, allowing you to grind quickly and with less force. You can also grind with either your left or right hand, regardless of your dominant hand. It was very popular, and there were rows of mortars lined up.
They actually showed us how it is made.
Many mortars are made using a water trowel as shown in the photo, but JUJU mortier is designed to maximize its functionality as a mortar and also to be able to be served directly on the dining table. Due to the nature of the shape, a water trowel cannot be used, so Kato Tomoya shapes it by hand himself and makes each groove. For this reason, the number of JUJU mortiers that can be made in a day is limited.
[The photo shows the mine as seen from the workshop. The clay is excellent for making mortars.]
This visit gave me the opportunity to talk in more depth.
We would like to continue to sell our carefully crafted mortars.

The product purchase page is here ↓
Straw White JUJU Mortier
Iron Cross JUJU mortier