Motoshige Suribachi Mortar and Surikogi Pestle

Mash, muddle and grind with Motoshige’s hand-crafted mortar and pestle. Comprised of a suribachi, or bowl/mortar, and surikogi, a stick/pestle, this traditional Japanese tool is unlike American-made versions—the mortar has an unglazed interior finished with fine grooves. The sleek ridges aren’t just decorative; they grip ingredients to help bruise herbs, grind seeds and mash pastes much more efficiently than a smooth interior would and help ingredients release aromatic compounds. The sturdy base is finished with silicone to prevent slipping, making it easier to use. While mortar and pestles of this style are a staple in most Japanese kitchens, we like Motoshige’s because of its sturdy composition. The suribachi is made of robust, hard clay that has minimal water absorbency and is resistant to corrosive substances like salt and acid; plus, the ridges intersect in a unique pattern for easier muddling and mashing (no endless pounding here). The surikogi is made of sancho wood and easily takes on whole spices, chilies and more.