Black Crystal Mortar and Natural Wood Sansho Pestle Set

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Regular price $63.00
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Description

Refined design meets everyday function in this elegant grinding set, crafted for cooks who value both beauty and precision. The Black Crystal Mortar, made from durable Mino ware, features an eye-catching brownish-black glaze with interior grooves that efficiently break down sesame seeds, tofu, herbs, and more. A convenient pouring spout allows for easy transfer of sauces and dressings without the mess.

Paired with the Natural Wood Sansho Pestle, this set offers a harmonious blend of strength and sensory experience. Handcrafted from aromatic sansho wood — prized for its subtle fragrance, antibacterial qualities, and striking grain — the pestle fits comfortably in your hand, making grinding feel natural and effortless.

Perfect for Japanese cooking and versatile enough for global cuisines, this thoughtfully made mortar and pestle set enhances both preparation and presentation in the kitchen. A must-have tool for home cooks, food lovers, and those who appreciate the quiet elegance of handcrafted design

Explore our full Kitchenware collection to discover more exquisite tools.

Specifications

Dimension

Mortar: 6.1"× 2.9" (15.5 cm × 7.5 cm)
Pestle: 6.9" (17.5 cm)

Weight

Mortar: 15 oz (425 g)
Pestle: 1.5 oz (43 g)

Material

Mortar: Pottery
Pestle: Natural Wood

Craft Type

Mino Ware

More Details



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.

Shipping & Return

We offer flat-rate shipping of USD $15 within the U.S., with free shipping on orders over USD $199. Most orders ship within 2 business days. We do not ship to P.O. Boxes or APO/FPO addresses.

We ship internationally, though shipping to the European Union is temporarily suspended except for wholesale customers.

Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery. Add Free Returns at checkout and we’ll cover your return shipping. If an item arrives damaged or defective, we’ll cover the return shipping.

Full shipping and returns details

Customers also bought

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. 

Nami’s Pick portrait

1. Rustic style with a pouring spout

Product image - Nami’s Pick

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

Product image - Nami’s Pick

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

Product image - Nami’s Pick

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.

Nami (Namiko Hirasawa Chen), author at JOC Goods

— 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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