Yamashitakatouen ｜ Mortar Bowl, White Straw, JUJU Mortier

Tomoya Kato's Hamon Kushime Mortar Bowl from "Yamadata Katoen".

Yamadata Katoen, founded in 1794, has been making mortar bowls for generations, adhering to the Takata-yaki style, which is counted as one of the Mino-yaki ceramics. The "Wara-shiro JUJU mortier" is a mortar bowl created by Tomoya Kato, the seventh generation of this kiln, and its greatest feature is the "Hamon Kushime" (wave-patterned comb grooves), which he perfected over approximately nine years of research and training. This mortar bowl, which combines design and practicality, received the Good Design Award in 2012.

Click here for a list of Yamadata Katoen products

Hamon Kushime mortar bowl, which took about 9 years to develop

Many people have experienced food rising to the top when grinding in a mortar bowl. This happens because food is only ground where the pestle rubs against the grooves, and unground food gets pushed up. The beautiful curved grooves of Yamadata Katoen's "Hamon Kushime" are designed as ripples, allowing the pestle to firmly engage with the entire grinding surface. This prevents food from escaping upwards while grinding, enabling faster grinding with less effort. Additionally, conventional mortar bowls are generally said to grind better when rotated clockwise due to their manufacturing process, but with the ripple-patterned grooves, this mortar bowl can be used effectively by both right-handed and left-handed users, regardless of rotation direction. Furthermore, the reduced friction on the ingredients allows for more flavorful and delicious cooking. It is highly recommended as a gift for weddings, housewarmings, and even for parents.

"Aoto" - the ideal clay for mortar bowls

Takata-yaki, a part of Mino-yaki, is made from blue clay called "Aoto." Aoto is an excellent clay for making mortar bowls, as it is highly durable and becomes almost non-absorbent after firing. Furthermore, the inherent properties of the clay give it a rough texture, which provides good friction. Additionally, while mortar bowls wear down with prolonged use, the unique clay particles of Aoto gently protect against the sharpness of chipping. For these reasons, Yamadata Katoen has continued to use this clay for over 200 years.

Crush, grind, serve

Crush spices and garlic for sauces, grind aromatic ingredients like sesame seeds for dressings and aemono (dressed dishes). Yamadata Katoen's mortar bowl can be used with various ingredients and is useful for many dishes depending on how it's used.
[4-sun mortar bowl]
[4-sun mortar bowl]
[4-sun mortar bowl]

Mix with spinach and serve directly on the table. It can also be used as a serving dish.
Grated yam (tororo) comes out fluffy. With a pouring spout, it's convenient for pouring over rice.
[Left is a 4-sun, right is a 6-sun mortar bowl]

Available in 4-sun and 6-sun sizes.

The 4-sun size is recommended for single individuals or couples. The 6-sun size is recommended for families or when hosting home parties. The 4-sun can be used for dressings and sauces, while the 6-sun can be used as a pasta bowl when mixed with pasta, making both sizes desirable regardless of the number of people.
[6-sun mortar bowl]
[Available in three colors: "Wara-shiro," "Tetsu-kuro," and "Wara-hai." All colors enhance the appearance of food.]
[Pestle made by Tomoya Kato himself from Sansho (Japanese pepper) wood cut from the mountains]
【Yamadata Katoen】
The family name "Yamadata". In 1794, the first generation, Toubei, branched off and adopted this name to remind himself of the philosophy "to create something from nothing." "To create something from nothing" begins with making everything from the kiln to the kiln tools. "To truly understand the clay of Takata" and "originality and innovation." This philosophy has been passed down through generations of Toubei and is the origin of the "Yamadata" brand.

【Tomoya Kato】
Seventh generation of Yamadata Katoen Toubei Kiln. He developed the "Hamon Kushime," which spirals from the center, over approximately nine years, creating an innovative mortar bowl. This Hamon Kushime mortar bowl received the Good Design Award. He is also an active and promising artist, having won numerous awards at various exhibitions, including the Grand Prize at the international ceramics competition "Chozan Award Exhibition."
Click here for a list of Yamadata Katoen products


Tomoya Kato's Hamon Kushime Mortar Bowl from "Yamadata Katoen". A mortar bowl that can be used by both right-handed and left-handed users, regardless of the direction of rotation.

【Product Name】Wara-shiro JUJU mortier
【Size】4-sun: Diameter 120mm × H55mm, 6-sun: Diameter 170mm × H80mm
【Weight (approx.)】4-sun: 290g, 6-sun: 640g
【Material】Ceramic (Takata-yaki, one of the Mino-yaki styles)
【Production Area】Japan (Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture)
【Remarks】Good Design Award winner, Selected for The Wonder 500TM

● Regarding Use
Ceramic is fragile, so please handle with care.
Not microwave-safe, not oven-safe, not dishwasher-safe, not dish dryer-safe.

● Before Use
Before using the mortar bowl, first "break it in." Soak the mortar bowl and pestle in water to moisten them. With no food in the bowl, rub the pestle firmly against the entire grinding surface, rotating both clockwise and counter-clockwise. When the thin, weak parts between the grinding grooves are removed, you are finished.

● Before Purchase
・Even for the same product, there may be individual differences in size, weight, color, unevenness, and shape due to handmade craftsmanship. Please enjoy these as unique characteristics of the one-of-a-kind product.
・Please use the sizes as a guide.
We ask for your understanding of the above points before making a purchase.