This is a pestle made from sansho wood (Japanese pepper tree).
It is commonly used with a suribachi (Japanese mortar).
Pestles like this are used to grind sesame seeds, soybeans, or to prepare fish paste.
The sansho tree is fully appreciated in Japanese cooking: its young leaves (kinome) are used as a fragrant garnish, its flowers (hanasansho) for seasonal dishes, and its dried peel as powdered spice (kona sansho).
The wood, which is very dense and resistant to wear, has long been valued for making sturdy pestles.
This pestle is made from sansho wood harvested in Wakayama Prefecture, a region known for its cultivation of Japanese pepper. The trees grow wild along the Aridagawa River, which originates in the mountains of Koyasan.
Only older trees that no longer bear fruit are used for pestles.
Each piece retains the natural texture of the bark, giving it a rustic and earthy character.
We introduce six sizes: 9cm, 12cm, 16.5cm, 21cm, 24cm, and 27cm in length (approx. 3.54″ to 10.63″).
This unique pestle is made by cutting sansho branches and shaping them with the bark mostly left intact.While pestles are also commonly made from woods like magnolia or sawagurumi (Japanese walnut), the bark is often shaved away on those.On this sansho pestle, the area where the hand grips is gently smoothed, with the bark trimmed to create a comfortable touch.The grinding surface is also polished until smooth, with the outer bark removed to ensure usability.These pestles are available in six sizes by length, but since they are made from natural wood, the thickness may vary greatly—even within the same size, as shown in the photo.Because availability depends on the timing of incoming stock, we are unable to accept requests for specific thicknesses. Thank you for noting this in advance.Each pestle comes with a decorative cord at the top of the handle, so it can be hung when not in use.Occasionally, small cracks may appear as a result of the production process. These are not considered defects.This is the 21cm (8.27″) size.Let us introduce the sizes one by one.This is the 9cm (3.54″) size. It’s small and charming—almost like a keychain—but still perfectly usable for grinding.This is the 12cm (4.72″) size. It fits in the palm of your hand and is also compact and handy.This is the 16.5cm (6.5″) size. Ideal for grinding small amounts in a small mortar.This is the 21cm (8.27″) size. A good fit for small to medium-sized mortars.This is the 24cm (9.45″) size. Well suited for medium to large mortars.And this is the largest, the 27cm (10.63″) size. Perfect for grinding larger quantities in a large mortar.
It is said that the mortar and pestle were introduced from China during the Heian period. They were once essential tools in every kitchen, used to grind soybeans and miso for soup, as well as sesame seeds, tofu, or yam.
Today, pre-ground ingredients are widely available, and the chance to use these tools may be less frequent. But taking that extra step can bring a special kind of flavor—and satisfaction.
Freshly ground sesame is rich in aroma and taste. Why not revisit that experience with a sansho wood pestle?
Please be sure to check the size and choose the one that suits you best.
Care Instructions
After use, rinse thoroughly with water and dry completely with a cloth. Then let it air-dry well in a shaded, well-ventilated area—away from direct sunlight.
Leaving the pestle dirty or damp may lead to mold.
Please avoid soaking it in water for extended periods or exposing it to direct sunlight, as this can cause mold, warping, cracking, or decay.
Dishwashers and microwaves are also not recommended, as they may cause damage such as splitting or cracking.
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
This is a pestle made from sansho wood (Japanese pepper tree).
It is commonly used with a suribachi (Japanese mortar).
Pestles like this are used to grind sesame seeds, soybeans, or to prepare fish paste.
The sansho tree is fully appreciated in Japanese cooking: its young leaves (kinome) are used as a fragrant garnish, its flowers (hanasansho) for seasonal dishes, and its dried peel as powdered spice (kona sansho).
The wood, which is very dense and resistant to wear, has long been valued for making sturdy pestles.
This pestle is made from sansho wood harvested in Wakayama Prefecture, a region known for its cultivation of Japanese pepper. The trees grow wild along the Aridagawa River, which originates in the mountains of Koyasan.
Only older trees that no longer bear fruit are used for pestles.
Each piece retains the natural texture of the bark, giving it a rustic and earthy character.
We introduce six sizes: 9cm, 12cm, 16.5cm, 21cm, 24cm, and 27cm in length (approx. 3.54″ to 10.63″).
This unique pestle is made by cutting sansho branches and shaping them with the bark mostly left intact.While pestles are also commonly made from woods like magnolia or sawagurumi (Japanese walnut), the bark is often shaved away on those.On this sansho pestle, the area where the hand grips is gently smoothed, with the bark trimmed to create a comfortable touch.The grinding surface is also polished until smooth, with the outer bark removed to ensure usability.These pestles are available in six sizes by length, but since they are made from natural wood, the thickness may vary greatly—even within the same size, as shown in the photo.Because availability depends on the timing of incoming stock, we are unable to accept requests for specific thicknesses. Thank you for noting this in advance.Each pestle comes with a decorative cord at the top of the handle, so it can be hung when not in use.Occasionally, small cracks may appear as a result of the production process. These are not considered defects.This is the 21cm (8.27″) size.Let us introduce the sizes one by one.This is the 9cm (3.54″) size. It’s small and charming—almost like a keychain—but still perfectly usable for grinding.This is the 12cm (4.72″) size. It fits in the palm of your hand and is also compact and handy.This is the 16.5cm (6.5″) size. Ideal for grinding small amounts in a small mortar.This is the 21cm (8.27″) size. A good fit for small to medium-sized mortars.This is the 24cm (9.45″) size. Well suited for medium to large mortars.And this is the largest, the 27cm (10.63″) size. Perfect for grinding larger quantities in a large mortar.
It is said that the mortar and pestle were introduced from China during the Heian period. They were once essential tools in every kitchen, used to grind soybeans and miso for soup, as well as sesame seeds, tofu, or yam.
Today, pre-ground ingredients are widely available, and the chance to use these tools may be less frequent. But taking that extra step can bring a special kind of flavor—and satisfaction.
Freshly ground sesame is rich in aroma and taste. Why not revisit that experience with a sansho wood pestle?
Please be sure to check the size and choose the one that suits you best.
Care Instructions
After use, rinse thoroughly with water and dry completely with a cloth. Then let it air-dry well in a shaded, well-ventilated area—away from direct sunlight.
Leaving the pestle dirty or damp may lead to mold.
Please avoid soaking it in water for extended periods or exposing it to direct sunlight, as this can cause mold, warping, cracking, or decay.
Dishwashers and microwaves are also not recommended, as they may cause damage such as splitting or cracking.
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
This is a pestle made from sansho wood (Japanese pepper tree).
It is commonly used with a suribachi (Japanese mortar).
Pestles like this are used to grind sesame seeds, soybeans, or to prepare fish paste.
The sansho tree is fully appreciated in Japanese cooking: its young leaves (kinome) are used as a fragrant garnish, its flowers (hanasansho) for seasonal dishes, and its dried peel as powdered spice (kona sansho).
The wood, which is very dense and resistant to wear, has long been valued for making sturdy pestles.
This pestle is made from sansho wood harvested in Wakayama Prefecture, a region known for its cultivation of Japanese pepper. The trees grow wild along the Aridagawa River, which originates in the mountains of Koyasan.
Only older trees that no longer bear fruit are used for pestles.
Each piece retains the natural texture of the bark, giving it a rustic and earthy character.
We introduce six sizes: 9cm, 12cm, 16.5cm, 21cm, 24cm, and 27cm in length (approx. 3.54″ to 10.63″).
This unique pestle is made by cutting sansho branches and shaping them with the bark mostly left intact.While pestles are also commonly made from woods like magnolia or sawagurumi (Japanese walnut), the bark is often shaved away on those.On this sansho pestle, the area where the hand grips is gently smoothed, with the bark trimmed to create a comfortable touch.The grinding surface is also polished until smooth, with the outer bark removed to ensure usability.These pestles are available in six sizes by length, but since they are made from natural wood, the thickness may vary greatly—even within the same size, as shown in the photo.Because availability depends on the timing of incoming stock, we are unable to accept requests for specific thicknesses. Thank you for noting this in advance.Each pestle comes with a decorative cord at the top of the handle, so it can be hung when not in use.Occasionally, small cracks may appear as a result of the production process. These are not considered defects.This is the 21cm (8.27″) size.Let us introduce the sizes one by one.This is the 9cm (3.54″) size. It’s small and charming—almost like a keychain—but still perfectly usable for grinding.This is the 12cm (4.72″) size. It fits in the palm of your hand and is also compact and handy.This is the 16.5cm (6.5″) size. Ideal for grinding small amounts in a small mortar.This is the 21cm (8.27″) size. A good fit for small to medium-sized mortars.This is the 24cm (9.45″) size. Well suited for medium to large mortars.And this is the largest, the 27cm (10.63″) size. Perfect for grinding larger quantities in a large mortar.
It is said that the mortar and pestle were introduced from China during the Heian period. They were once essential tools in every kitchen, used to grind soybeans and miso for soup, as well as sesame seeds, tofu, or yam.
Today, pre-ground ingredients are widely available, and the chance to use these tools may be less frequent. But taking that extra step can bring a special kind of flavor—and satisfaction.
Freshly ground sesame is rich in aroma and taste. Why not revisit that experience with a sansho wood pestle?
Please be sure to check the size and choose the one that suits you best.
Care Instructions
After use, rinse thoroughly with water and dry completely with a cloth. Then let it air-dry well in a shaded, well-ventilated area—away from direct sunlight.
Leaving the pestle dirty or damp may lead to mold.
Please avoid soaking it in water for extended periods or exposing it to direct sunlight, as this can cause mold, warping, cracking, or decay.
Dishwashers and microwaves are also not recommended, as they may cause damage such as splitting or cracking.
Please note: This item ships from Japan. As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country. These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.
