Yamashitakatouen ｜ Japanese pepper paste

Japanese pepper paste by Tomoya Kato of "Yamashikatouen"

Founded in 1794, Yamatada Katouen has been making mortars for generations, with a focus on Takada ware, which is counted among the varieties of Mino ware. The "Hamonkushime" mortar, which took about nine years of research and refinement to complete, won the Good Design Award. This sansho pestle was made by Kato Tomoya, the seventh generation owner of the kiln.
[Left: 4-inch mortar and 17-cm pestle, Right: 6-inch mortar and 24-cm pestle]

A pestle carefully crafted over many years

At Yamashitakatouen, each and every mortar is carefully crafted over a period of many years. Kato Tomoya himself goes to the mountains when the cold is at its worst and there is little moisture in the wood, to cut down the sansho trees and make this product.

There are many steps in the process, including drying the wood slowly to prevent it from cracking, leaving it to rest for around one and a half to three years, repeatedly applying persimmon tannin to prevent it from being eaten by insects, and then drying it. Before shipping, the piece is carved out and shaped.

It is not possible to make many pestle grinders, which require a lot of time and effort and are carefully crafted.

Sansho paste

It has long been said that Japanese pepper wood is the best material for making a mortar and pestle. This is because the Japanese pepper tree has a detoxifying effect, and it is said that the small amount of Japanese pepper shaved off during the grinding process mixed with the ingredients prevents food poisoning. The subtle fragrance of Japanese pepper also enhances the flavor of the dish. In addition, Japanese pepper tree is hard and resistant to wear, so it can be used for a long time. It is the wisdom of our ancestors from a time when there were no refrigerators. Old-fashioned tools are all really good things.

to crush, to grind

Natural wood pestles come in a variety of thicknesses and curvatures. The curve of the handle makes it easy to grip, fits comfortably in your hand, and makes it easy to work with. Crush spices and garlic to make sauces, or grind sesame and other flavorful ingredients to make dressings or salads. Use it with a mortar from Yamatada Katoen to make a variety of dishes.
[4-inch mortar and 17cm pestle]
[6-inch mortar and 24cm pestle]

17cm and 24cm mortar and pestle

Available in lengths of 17cm and 24cm. It is recommended to use the 17cm size with a 4-inch mortar and the 24cm size with a 6-inch mortar.
[4-inch mortar and 17cm pestle]
[6-inch mortar and 24cm pestle]

Thickness and curvature vary

The pestle tools are made from Sansho trees grown in Gifu Prefecture and come in a variety of thicknesses and curvatures, each with its own unique character. No two pestle tools are the same, making each one unique in the world.

The Sansho pestle that arrived this time. They come in various thicknesses and bends. ↓
[Natural wood pestles come in a variety of thicknesses and curvatures.]
[Yamatada Katoen]
The shop name "Yamatada" was chosen by the first Tobei in 1794, when he branched off from the family and was conscious of the idea of ​​"creating something from nothing." "Creating something from nothing" starts with making everything, starting with the kiln and the kiln tools. "Knowing Takada's clay well," 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 created an innovative mortar with a ripple pattern that swirls from the center. This ripple pattern mortar won the Good Design Award. He is also an active artist, having won numerous awards at exhibitions, including the grand prize at the international pottery contest, Chozo Prize Exhibition.
Click here for a list of Yamashitakatouen products


[Product name] Sansho pestle 17cm, 24cm
[Size] 17cm: Length 17cm x Thickness 18-25mm, 24cm: Length 24cm x Thickness 22-28mm
[Weight (approx.)] 17cm: 36g, 24cm: 65g
[Material] Natural Japanese pepper wood (Gifu Prefecture)
[Production area] Japan

● About use
Microwave × Oven × Dishwasher × Dish dryer ×
・After use, wash quickly and wipe off any excess water and allow to dry. Dampness can cause mold.
- Avoid exposing to direct sunlight.
-Do not leave in water for long periods of time.

● Before you purchase - Because natural wood is used, there may be individual differences in size, weight, color, unevenness, shape, etc.
Please enjoy this as a unique feature of this product, which is unlike any other in the world.
・Please use the sizes as a guide.
Please be aware of the above before making your purchase.