large japanese mortar and pestle - vintage stoneware folk art decor

Love Japanese Style Like We Do

Elevate your home decor with this stunning, large antique Japanese mortar and pestle, a unique piece of history and craftsmanship that brings a rich cultural touch to any space. This vintage stoneware folk art item is perfect for those who appreciate rare, one-of-a-kind treasures and are drawn to the beauty of traditional craftsmanship. A true must-have for collectors of Japanese artifacts.

A Glimpse into History: The Suribachi 
Dating back to the 11th century, the mortar, or suribachi, is one of the earliest Japanese kitchen tools and has remained remarkably unchanged for centuries. This impressive, large bowl is Tokoname stoneware. Tokoname is one of Japan’s six ancient kilns, known for its enduring quality and distinctive character. The bowl’s rough, uneven shape and organic form reflect the authenticity and charm of these early mortars.

The exterior of the suribachi is glazed in a warm tan hue, with a subtle glaze around the upper rim, while the inside is left unglazed, featuring the signature ridged pattern designed to efficiently pulverize ingredients and extract oils and moisture. Over time and with daily use, the inside has developed a deep, rich brown patina, enhancing the bowl’s rustic charm and undeniable character.

The Surikogi Pestle: A Functional Work of Art
The accompanying pestle, or surikogi, is crafted from the fragrant wood of the Japanese sansho (pepper) tree, with its shape and bark left intact. Its natural, slightly curved and bumpy surface lends for a comfortable grip at various heights, making it as functional as it is beautiful.

Condition and Versatility.
This suribachi and surikogi set remains in very good  antique condition, showcasing signs of time-worn use that only add to its charm. There are no chips or cracks, ensuring its longevity as both a functional tool and a decorative piece.

Whether displayed in a rustic kitchen, restaurant, or café, this large set also serves as a striking statement piece. Its versatile design makes it perfect as a planter, a fruit or snack bowl, or even a small fish bowl for Medaka fish - a popular use in Japanese homes. And, of course, it remains a highly functional tool for its original purpose.

A True Symbol of Tradition.
In a world full of modern gadgets and high-tech appliances, the suribachi and surikogi stand as enduring symbols of timeless Japanese craftsmanship. For centuries, these traditional tools have remained largely unchanged, proving that some things - like quality, functionality, and beauty - never go out of style.

- suribachi bowl  measures around 31 cm (12.2”) in diameter x 13 cm (5.1”) tall.
- surikogi pestle measures around 34 cm (13.4”) long.
- weighs 2,600 gm.

(listing for mortar and pestle set)

SHIPPING INFORMATION
- please read our shipping notes in shipping policy. 
- we use recycle packaging wherever possible and wrap for safety, rather than appearance!

ABOUT OUR VINTAGE, ANTIQUE AND OTHER ITEMS
We list pieces we feel are worthy of display. There may be scratches, dents, fading and signs of wear and tear. We try to explain the condition of each item exactly, but may miss something.

Information regarding the item and it’s age is obtained from dealers and our personal research. We do our best to give you the correct information but please be aware that we cannot guarantee this information.

Please message us prior to purchase with any questions you may have about our products.

SURIBACHI
A suribachi, literally grinding bowl, is a traditional cooking utensil that has been used in Japan for hundreds of years. It was introduced to Japan from China in the 11th century.  Originally used for preparing traditional medicine and herbal remedies the bowl eventually became commonly used for food preparation.

The stoneware bowl has a glazed exterior and rim and an unglazed interior. What makes the Japanese suribachi different from other mortars is the interior, scored with diagonally spiraling ridges called kushime, meaning a comb pattern. These ridges not only facilitate the pulverizing of seeds, but trap seeds in the spaces between the ridges, enabling easy extraction of oils and moisture from food.

The mortar is used together with the surikogi (pestle). The surikogi has traditionally been made from Sansho wood, a plant native to Japan. Sansho, or Japanese pepper, is said to be the oldest Japanese spice. It has a wonderful aroma and is known for enhancing the function of the stomach and intestines. It is said that every time a small amount of wood from the surikogi is scraped into the suribachi,  the scent of Japanese pepper is released, complementing the dish and also giving it a detoxification effect. 

In days gone by the suribachi work was the job of the children in the household.

USAGE
Suribachi come in a variety of sizes, that can be chosen according to the work needed to be done. Small bowls are used for grinding seeds. Medium size bowls are great for grinding  seeds and then adding liquids to make sauces and pastes. Larger size bowls are used for grinding and pounding various kinds of meat and fish into a paste to make dumpling-like meatballs or for mashing tofu and  adding vegetables  to make a make Japanese  Shiraae salad. Extremely large bowls are used in restaurants, their use limited only by the imagination.

As the bowls have a rustic aesthetically pleasing appeal, they are also great to serve the dishes that have been made in them.

The suribachi should be placed on a flat surface, with a damp cloth or tenugui underneath to prevent slipping. Without much pressure use the wooden surikogi to rub the seeds or other ingredients in a circular fashion, to the desired texture, against the rough raised surface of the bowl. 

To clean the suribachi its best to avoid scrubbing. Instead you can soak it in warm water with a mild detergent for 10 or 20 minutes and then rinse well under running water.