The mortar and pestle is often regarded as an essential to any Japanese kitchen. The Japanese mortar and pestle allows for a greater degree of control when bruising, crushing, grinding or pounding ingredients.
This ceramic iwami ware mortar is handcrafted in the western part of Shimane Prefecture, Japan. A local soil glazed exterior is mixed and applied, made from a combination of crushed stones and water. The unglazed interior has been hand combed to create a variety of textured patterns to help effectively grind ingredients.
Iwami ware is baked at high temperatures of over 1300 degrees, and results in a strong ceramic which is suitable for breaking and grinding sharp and hard ingredients.
The sansho pestle is handcrafted in Kagoshima, Japan from sansho (Japanese prickly ash) found in the foothills of Kirishima. This is the wood traditionally used to make Japanese pestles, and it's said it adds a delicate flavour to food. The prickly ash is harvested each fall, the branches are made into pestles, with some of the bark left in place.
Measurements:
Iwami Mortar: 13.5cm x 13.5cm x 6cm
Sansho Pestle: approximately 17cm
Kindly allow 1-2 weeks for delivery.
