Yamashitakatouen ｜ Mortar made from straw ash by JUJU mortier

A rippled comb-patterned mortar by Kato Tomoya of Yamatada Katouen.

Founded in 1794, Yamatada Katouen has been making mortars for generations, focusing on Takada ware, a type of Mino ware. The straw ash JUJU mortier is a mortar created by Kato Tomoya, the seventh generation owner of this kiln. Its greatest feature is its "hamon kushime" (ripple comb) grating, which was perfected after approximately nine years of research and forging. This mortar, which combines design and practicality, won the Good Design Award in 2012.

Click here for a list of Yamatada Katouen products

The Hamon Kushime Mortar took approximately nine years to develop

Many people have experienced that when you grind food in a mortar, the food rises to the top. The food can only be ground where the mortar is against the grain, so the food that is not ground rises to the top.
The beautifully curved grating of Yamatada Katouen's "Hamon Kushime" allows the suriko wood to firmly contact the grating, preventing ingredients from escaping upwards while grinding, allowing for quicker grinding with less force. While it is generally said that mortars grind better when turned clockwise due to the manufacturing process, the rippled grating allows for grinding with either clockwise or counterclockwise, regardless of your dominant hand. Furthermore, the friction on the ingredients is reduced, resulting in more fragrant and delicious cooking.
It is recommended as a gift for weddings, housewarmings, and even for parents.

"Aoto" soil, suitable for mortars

Takada ware, a type of Mino ware, is made from blue clay called Aoto. Blue clay is excellent for making mortars, as it is highly durable and has almost no water absorption once fired. Furthermore, the clay has a rough texture, which provides good friction.
Furthermore, mortars wear down over time, but the unique particles of blue clay have the property of gently protecting them from sharp chips. For these reasons, Yamatada Katoen has been using this clay for over 200 years.

Crush, grind, pile

Crush spices and garlic to make sauces, Grind flavorful ingredients such as sesame seeds and use them in dressings or salads. Yamatada Katouen's mortars are suitable for a variety of ingredients and can be used for a variety of dishes depending on how you use them.
[Tetsukuro Mortar 4 inches]

Mix with spinach and serve straight to the table. It can also be used as a container.
[Tetsukuro Mortar 6 inches]
The grated yam will turn out fluffy. It has a spout, making it convenient for pouring over rice.
[The mortar on the left is 4 inches, and the mortar on the right is 6 inches]

Available in 4 inch and 6 inch sizes.

The 4-inch size is perfect for single people or couples, while the 6-inch size is recommended for families and home parties. The 4-inch size can be used for dressings and sauces, and the 6-inch size can be used as a pasta dish by mixing it with pasta. It's a must-have item regardless of the number of people. Straw ash has a glossier finish than straw white and iron black.
[4-inch mortar]
[6-inch mortar]
[There are three colors available: straw white, iron black, and straw ash. All colors will make your food stand out.]
[Kato Tomoya himself went to the mountains to cut down a Japanese pepper tree and made this pestle]
[Yamadadaka Toen]
The shop name "Yamatada" was chosen by the first Tobei in 1794, when he branched off from the family and became aware of the idea of "creating something from nothing," and as a self-discipline. "Creating something from nothing" begins with making everything, from the kiln to the kiln tools. It is based on "knowing the clay of Takada" and "originality and innovation." This is the philosophy that has been passed down to each Tobei, and is the origin of the "Yamatada" brand.

[Kato Tomoya]
He is the seventh generation owner of Yamatada Katoen Tobeigama. After about nine years of development, he developed the "Hamon Kushime" (rippled comb pattern) that spirals from the center, creating an innovative mortar. This Hamon Kushime mortar won the Good Design Award. He is also an active and energetic artist, having won numerous awards at exhibitions, including the Grand Prize at the international pottery contest "Chozo Award Exhibition."
Click here for a list of Yamatada Katouen products


"Yamatada Katouen" Kato Tomoya's ripple comb mortar.
A mortar that can be used with either a right-handed or left-handed grinder.

[Product name] Straw ash JUJU mortier
[Size] 4 sun: diameter 120mm x height 55mm, 6 sun: diameter 170mm x height 80mm
[Weight (approx.)] 4 sun: 290g, 6 sun: 640g
[Material] Ceramic (Takada ware, a type of Mino ware)
[Production area] Japan (Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture)
[Notes] Winner of the Good Design Award and selected as one of The Wonder 500™

● How to use
Ceramics are fragile, so please handle with care.
Microwave × Oven × Dishwasher × Dish dryer ×

● Before use
Before using a mortar, first make a "suribachi" (suribachi) of the mortar.
Soak the mortar and surikono-ki in water to make them moist. Without any food inside, grind the surikono-ki in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions so that it touches the entire surface of the grinding surface. Once you have removed the thin, weak areas between the grains, you are done.

● Before purchasing
-Even if the product is the same, it is handmade, so there may be individual differences in size, weight, color, unevenness, shape, etc.
Please enjoy this as a unique product that is unlike any other in the world.
・Please use the sizes as a guide only.
Please be aware of the above before purchasing.