This 'Black Crystal' mortar and pestle set combines a traditional Japanese Suribachi (pottery mortar bowl) with a conventional artisan-made pestle. The handcrafted bowl comes from the kilns of Japan's Mino region, where artisans have created examples like this for hundreds of years. Slanted grooves are carefully carved in the bowl's interior to speed up the grinding of spices, nuts, and seeds, while the exterior of the bowl is sealed with a charcoal-brown glaze. The bowl's broad pedestal base is left clear-sealed, showcasing the rich, earthy, fired clay. The convenient pouring spout makes transferring liquids like salad dressings and sauces easy.
The wooden pestle, or surikogi, is specially engineered for this bowl. The smooth pestles are crafted from Japanese Cyprus, which is referred to as 'hinoki' in Japan. Hinoki wood is valued for its delicate fragrance, antibacterial properties, and ability to dry quickly. The convenient cord in the pestle's handle makes storage and drying simple.
This set makes a beautiful gift and a wonderful addition to any cultured kitchen.