Japanese Suribachi Bowl, Olive Green

A dual-purpose bowl: its ridged interior is for grinding sesame, its speckled exterior sits on the table.

The outside is covered in an olive green glaze speckled with brown, which darkens towards the foot left as bare clay. Inside, fine ridges radiate from the centre under a lighter, blue-grey glaze.

The suribachi is the traditional Japanese mortar. Its inner ridges grip the seeds: toasted sesame is crushed in it with a wooden pestle, the surikogi, to make sauces and seasonings such as goma sauce.

At 19.5 cm in diameter and 9.5 cm high, it offers plenty of room to work the seeds, and can then go straight to the table as a serving bowl.

It is an everyday utensil in Japanese kitchens, just as useful for grinding spices, crushing garlic or making a dressing.

Highlights

• Japanese mortar: ridged interior for grinding sesame and spices.
• Dual purpose: it goes from preparation to serving.
• Olive green glaze: speckled with brown, clay foot.
• Good size: Ø 19.5 cm, height 9.5 cm.
• Made in Japan: sold alone, without pestle.

Product information

• Type: suribachi bowl (Japanese mortar)
• Material: ceramic
• Origin: Japan (Toki-Tajimi area, Gifu Prefecture, home of Mino ware)
• Dimensions: Ø 19.5 cm, height 9.5 cm
• Colours: olive green, brown, blue-grey
• Finish: glazed, ridged interior
• Care: hand washing recommended, microwave safe
• Style: traditional Japanese

How to use

Crush toasted sesame directly in the bowl, add soy sauce and a little sugar: the goma sauce is ready to serve. After use, brush the ridges to remove the seeds.

Frequently asked questions

What is a suribachi?

It is the traditional Japanese mortar. Its inner ridges make it possible to grind sesame or spices with a wooden pestle, the surikogi.

Is the pestle included?

No, the bowl is sold alone.

Is this bowl dishwasher and microwave safe?

Like all ceramics, it is best washed by hand: the dishwasher is not recommended. It can, however, go in the microwave without any problem.