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Black Crystal Mortar and Hinoki Wood Pestle Set

Name: Black Crystal Mortar and Hinoki Wood Pestle Set
Brand: Kanesho
SKU: JOCSET0002
Price: 63.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

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Unlock the rich flavors of your cooking with the Black Crystal Mortar and Hinoki Wood Pestle Set. This traditional suribachi-style mortar features carefully carved ridges that make grinding sesame seeds, spices, and nuts both efficient and precise. Its sturdy clay body is finished with a deep charcoal glaze, giving the piece a refined beauty that pairs function with timeless design.

The included pestle is made from Japanese hinoki cypress, prized for its lightness, antibacterial qualities, and soothing natural aroma. Gentle on the mortar surface, it allows you to grind smoothly while preserving the authentic flavors of your ingredients. A thoughtfully designed spout adds convenience, making it easy to transfer freshly prepared sauces, dressings, or pastes directly to your dishes.

Whether you are preparing classic goma-ae sesame dressing or creating your own spice blends, the Black Crystal Mortar and Hinoki Wood Pestle Set brings both functionality and elegance to your kitchen.

Key Features & Benefits:

Ridged interior: Efficiently grinds sesame seeds, spices, and nuts
Hinoki wood pestle: Lightweight, antibacterial, and gentle on ceramic
Pouring spout: Transfers sauces and pastes with ease

Explore our full Kitchenware collection to discover more exquisite tools.

Dimension

Mortar: 6.1" W × 2.9" H (15.5 cm W × 7.5 cm H)
Pestle: 1.8" W × 7.2" L (3 cm W × 7.5 cm L)

Weight

Mortar: 15 oz (425 g)
Pestle: 1.8 oz (50 g)

Material

Mortar: Pottery
Pestle: Natural Wood

Craft Type

Mino Ware

Mino ware is a traditional pottery from Gifu Prefecture with a history of more than 1,300 years. Its origins trace back to the Nara period, when early potters began producing simple earthenware. During the Momoyama period (late 16th century), Mino became Japan’s leading center for ceramics, giving rise to distinctive styles such as Shino, Oribe, and Kizeto—each deeply connected to the aesthetics of the Japanese tea ceremony. Today, as Japan’s largest pottery-producing region, Mino continues to evolve with contemporary life, blending timeless craftsmanship with modern design to support the way people eat and live every day.

Mortars and Pestles

Mortars and pestles are indispensable tools in Japanese home cooking. The ceramic suribachi bowl, typically with fine ridges, pairs with the wooden surikogi pestle to make grinding and mashing effortless. Ideal for crushing sesame seeds, mashing tofu or vegetables, and blending sauces, its craftsmanship and rustic beauty make artisan Japanese mortars an elegant serving bowl for table presentation.

We offer a flat rate of USD $25 for shipping to the U.S., and Free Shipping on orders over USD $199.

Please note that we do not ship to P.O. Boxes or APO/FPO addresses due to FedEx’s policies.

Most items are dispatched from Japan within 1-2 business days after order confirmation, and we offer international shipping to customers worldwide.

You may return any items purchased from JOC Goods within 30 days of delivery. If the products are defective or damaged, we will cover the return shipping costs. For other returns, the cost of return shipping will be the customer's responsibility.

>> Product Care Guide

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Rustic Style Meets Function

Just as Parmesan finds its way into countless Italian dishes, ground sesame is an essential in Japanese cooking, adding nutty richness to noodles, salads, and sauces. That’s why having the right mortar and pestle makes all the difference—and this set is my favorite.

1. Rustic style with a pouring spout

First of all, there are two features that are quite rare for a Japanese mortar—the dark, rustic look and the handy pouring spout that makes it easy to transfer sauces and dressings without a mess. The set also comes with a hinoki (Japanese cypress) pestle, the traditional choice known for its natural antibacterial properties.

2. Right size and shape for everyday use

This mortar is the one I reach for every single time. Out of the eight mortars I own, some are too big and heavy, others too shallow or small, and a few have odd shapes that make them difficult to use. This bowl, however, is just the right size and shape for everyday cooking—it always feels comfortable and reliable.

3. Grind, mix, and serve in one bowl

This beautiful glazed vessel doubles as a mixing bowl and serving dish. Here’s how I often use it:

Grind or mash seeds, nuts, or other ingredients
Stir in seasonings and condiments
Toss in vegetables
Bring it straight to the table

Fewer dishes, less mess—and more beauty on the table!

This mortar and pestle brings both beauty and function to daily cooking—something you’ll enjoy for years to come. I hope it finds a special place in your kitchen, just as it has in mine.

— Namiko Hirasawa Chen

FAQ

Are the small dents, pinholes, or texture marks on this ceramic piece a defect?

No. These marks are normal characteristics of handcrafted Japanese ceramics, formed during shaping, glazing, or firing in small kilns. Subtle dents, tiny pinholes, and slight texture variations are part of the artisan process — not defects. If you see clear cracks, chips, or peeling glaze, please email support@jocgoods.com with photos.

Are the small black or dark specks in the glaze safe?

Yes, the dark specks are safe. They are natural iron minerals in the clay that react during high-temperature firing, leaving small marks under the glaze. They do not affect food safety, durability, or performance, and are part of the organic character of handmade Japanese pottery.

Do your ceramic dishes contain lead or cadmium?

Some glazed ceramic pieces may contain trace amounts of lead or cadmium sealed beneath the glaze, at levels safe for food use. Japanese ceramic tableware is regulated under the Food Sanitation Act, which sets leaching limits for lead and cadmium in glazed tableware. Testing standards differ by country, so we cannot guarantee compliance with every regional regulation.

Why does each handcrafted bowl or plate look slightly different from the photo?

Each piece is shaped, glazed, and fired by hand in small artisan kilns across Japan, so subtle differences in color, glaze pattern, weight, and even rim shape are expected. No two pieces are identical. This natural variation is what makes each item one of a kind, not a quality flaw.

Even if a ceramic piece is dishwasher safe, should I still hand-wash it?

Dishwasher-safe pieces can go in the dishwasher, and doing so will not damage the glaze. That said, ceramic (earthenware) is more prone to chipping than porcelain, and pieces can knock against the rack or other dishes while loading and unloading — which is the most common cause of small chips. For longevity, hand-washing with warm water and a soft sponge is gentler.

Can I add a gift message to my order?

Yes. You may add a personalized gift message of up to 250 characters at checkout — it is printed on a card and included inside the package. Prices and order details are never shown on the card or anywhere in the shipment, so the recipient sees only your message and the gift itself.

Will my order be wrapped as a gift?

Yes. Every JOC Goods order is wrapped in a traditional Japanese furoshiki cloth before shipping at no extra charge — both gifts and personal orders. If your order includes many or large items, the furoshiki may be packed inside the box rather than wrapped around them. Prices are never included in any shipment.

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