Yamashitakatouen ｜ Mortar made from straw ash by JUJU mortier

The wave-patterned mortar by Tomoya Kato of "Yamatada Katouen."

Yamatada Katouen, founded in 1794, is dedicated to making mortars using Takata ware, a type of Mino ware, passed down through generations. The Warabai JUJU Mortar is a mortar created by Tomoya Kato, the seventh generation of this kiln. Its most distinctive feature is the "wave-patterned grating" (hamon kushime), 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.

The Wave-Patterned Mortar (Hamon Kushime) took approximately 9 years to develop.

Many people have experienced ingredients rising up when grinding them in a mortar. This happens because ingredients are only ground where the pestle works against the grooves, causing unground ingredients to lift. The beautiful curved grooves of Yamatada Katouen's "wave-patterned grating" ensure that the pestle makes firm contact with the grooves, preventing ingredients from escaping upwards during grinding. This allows you to grind quickly and with less effort. Furthermore, while conventional mortars are said to grind better when rotated clockwise due to their manufacturing process, the wave-patterned grooves allow for effective grinding regardless of whether you rotate clockwise or counter-clockwise, or which hand you use. Additionally, it reduces friction on ingredients, enabling you to cook with more aroma and flavor.
It is recommended as a gift for weddings, housewarmings, and even for parents.

"Aoto" clay, suitable for mortars

Takata ware, a part of Mino ware, is made from blue clay called "Aoto." Aoto is excellent for making mortars due to its high durability and almost zero water absorption after firing. Additionally, the inherent properties of the clay give it a rough texture, which provides good friction. Furthermore, while mortars wear down with prolonged use, the unique clay particles of Aoto gently protect against the sharpness of chipping. For these reasons, Yamatada Katouen 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). Yamatada Katouen's mortar can be used for a variety of dishes, regardless of the ingredients, depending on how you use it.
［Iron Black Mortar 4 sun］

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

Choose from 4 sun and 6 sun.

The 4 sun is recommended for single individuals or couples. The 6 sun is recommended for families or when hosting home parties. The 4 sun can be used for dressings and sauces, and the 6 sun can be used for mixing pasta and as a pasta bowl, making both items desirable regardless of the number of people. The straw ash has more luster compared to straw white and iron black.
［Mortar 4 sun］
［Mortar 6 sun］
［Available in three colors: "Straw White," "Iron Black," and "Straw Ash." All colors make food look appealing.］
［Pestle made by Tomoya Kato himself, who went to the mountains to cut down a sansho tree.］
【Yamatada Katouen】
Shop name "Yamatada." In 1794, the first generation, Tobei, established a branch family and chose this name to remind himself to "create something from nothing." This means starting by building a kiln and all the tools for it. The philosophy passed down through generations of Tobei, "knowing Takata's clay well" and "originality and innovation," is the origin of the "Yamatada" brand.

【Tomoya Kato】
Seventh-generation head of Yamatada Katouen Tobei Kiln. Over approximately nine years, he developed the "wave-patterned grating" that spirals from the center, creating an innovative mortar. This wave-patterned mortar has received the Good Design Award. He is also active as a prominent artist, having won numerous awards at various exhibitions, including the Grand Prize at the international ceramic art competition "Chozansho Exhibition."
Click here for a list of Yamatada Katouen products.


The wave-patterned mortar by Tomoya Kato of "Yamatada Katouen."
A mortar that can be used for grinding regardless of whether you are right-handed or left-handed, or whether you rotate it clockwise or counter-clockwise.

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

● About Use
Ceramic is fragile, so please handle it with great care.
Not microwave-safe × Not oven-safe × Not dishwasher-safe × Not dish dryer-safe ×

● Before Use
Before using the mortar, first "season" it.
Place the mortar and pestle in water to dampen them. Without any ingredients, grind the pestle clockwise and counter-clockwise in the same way, ensuring it touches the entire grinding surface. When the thin, weak parts between the grooves have been removed, the seasoning is complete.

● Before Purchase
・Even for the same product, there may be individual differences in glaze flow, size, weight, color, unevenness, and shape.
Please enjoy these as unique characteristics of a one-of-a-kind product.
・Please use the sizes as a rough guide.
Please understand the above points before making your purchase.