Yamashitakatouen ｜ Mortar Bowl Iron Black JUJU Mortier

"Yamatada Katouen" Tomoya Kato's Hamon Kushime Mortar.

Founded in Kansei 6 (1794), Yamatada Katouen has been making mortars for generations, adhering to Takada-ware, which is counted as one of the Mino-ware traditions. The Tetsukuro JUJU mortier is a mortar created by Tomoya Kato, the 7th generation of this kiln, and its greatest feature is the "Hamon Kushime" (ripple comb-tooth pattern) grinding surface, which he perfected over approximately nine years of research and training. This mortar, which combines design and practicality, received the Good Design Award in 2012.

Click here for a list of Yamatada Katouen products

Hamon Kushime Mortar, which took approximately 9 years to develop

Many people have probably experienced ingredients rising to the top when grinding in a mortar. This happens because ingredients are only ground where the pestle works against the grinding surface, so unground ingredients are lifted up.
The beautiful curved grinding surface of Yamatada Katouen's "Hamon Kushime" is designed in a ripple pattern, allowing the pestle to firmly engage with the grinding surface. This prevents ingredients from escaping upwards while grinding, enabling faster grinding with less effort. Furthermore, conventional mortars are said to grind better when rotated clockwise due to their production process, but with the ripple grinding surface, it's possible to grind equally well whether rotating clockwise or counter-clockwise, regardless of your dominant hand. Moreover, the reduced friction on ingredients results in more fragrant and delicious preparations.
It is recommended as a gift for weddings, housewarmings, and also for parents.

"Aoto" clay, suitable for mortars

Takada-ware, a part of Mino-ware, is made from a blue clay called Aoto. Aoto is an excellent clay for making mortars; it is highly durable and becomes almost non-absorbent after firing. Furthermore, due to the characteristics of the clay, it has a rough texture, which provides good friction.
Mortars wear down with prolonged use, but the unique clay particles of Aoto also have the characteristic of gently guarding against the sharpness of chips. For these reasons, Yamatada Katouen has continued to use this clay for over 200 years.

Crush, grind, serve

Crush spices and garlic for making sauces, Grind flavorful ingredients like sesame seeds for dressings and aemono (dressed dishes). Yamatada Katouen's mortars are versatile and can be used for various dishes, regardless of the ingredients.
[Mortar 4 sun]

Mix with spinach and serve directly on the table. It can also be used as a serving bowl.
[Mortar 6 sun]
The grated yam (tororo) comes out fluffy. It has a pouring spout, making it convenient for serving over rice.
[Left is 4 sun, right is 6 sun mortar]

Available in 4 sun and 6 sun sizes.

The 4-sun size is recommended for singles or couples. The 6-sun size is ideal for families or home parties. The 4-sun size can be used for dressings and sauces, while the 6-sun size can be used for mixing pasta or as a pasta bowl. Therefore, both sizes are desirable items regardless of the number of people.
[Mortar 6 sun]
[Colors are "Wara-shiro" (straw white), "Tetsu-kuro" (iron black), and "Wara-hai" (straw ash). All colors enhance the appearance of food.]
[A pestle made from sansho (Japanese pepper) wood, cut directly by Tomoya Kato himself from the mountains]
【Yamatada Katouen】
Shop name "Yamatada". In Kansei 6 (1794), the first generation, Toubei, branched off and named his shop with the awareness of "creating from nothing," as a self-admonition. "Creating from nothing" begins with building the kiln and all kiln tools. "Knowing the soil of Takada well" and "originality and innovation." This is the philosophy that has been passed down through generations of Toubei and is the origin of the "Yamatada" brand.
【Tomoya Kato】
The seventh generation of Yamatada Katouen Toubei Kiln. He developed the "Hamon Kushime" (ripple comb-tooth pattern) that swirls from the center over approximately nine years, creating an innovative mortar. This Hamon Kushime mortar has received the Good Design Award. He is also active as a talented artist, having won numerous awards at various exhibitions, including the Grand Prize at the "Choza Prize Exhibition," an international ceramics competition.
Click here for a list of Yamatada Katouen products


Tomoya Kato's "Hamon Kushime" mortar from "Yamatada Katouen".
A mortar that can be used by both right-handed and left-handed people, regardless of their dominant hand.

【Product Name】Tetsukuro JUJU mortier
【Size】4 sun: Diameter 120mm × H55mm, 6 sun: Diameter 170mm × H80mm
【Weight (approx.)】4 sun: 290g, 6 sun: 640g
【Material】Pottery (Takada-ware, counted as one of the Mino-ware traditions)
【Production Area】Japan (Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture)
【Remarks】Good Design Award recipient, The Wonder 500TM selection

● Regarding Use
Pottery is fragile, so please handle with care.
Not suitable for microwave × oven × dishwasher × dish dryer ×

● Before Use
Before using the mortar, first "break it in."
Soak the mortar and pestle in water to moisten them. Without any ingredients, firmly grind clockwise and counter-clockwise in the same manner, ensuring the pestle hits the entire grinding surface. Stop when the thin, weak parts between the grooves are removed.

● Before Purchase
・Even for the same product, due to being handmade, there may be individual differences in size, weight, color, unevenness, and shape.
Please enjoy these as the unique characteristics of a one-of-a-kind product.
・Sizes are for reference only.
Please understand the above before making your purchase.