Suribachi and Surikogi: Function Meets Beauty to Create the Perfect Texture

Iida Yūta, the sixth-generation owner of Iidaya, in the plentifully stocked suribachi earthenware mortar section. (© Nomura Kazuyuki)

Using a surikogi wooden pestle in a circular motion to grind sesame seeds. (© Pixta)

The most popular suribachi at Iidaya. The wide, nonslip base gives it stability. (© Nomura Kazuyuki)

The suribachi ease to use comes from the kushime comb-pattern grooves, combining beauty and function. They are embossed on less expensive types, while the ones hand-carved by artisans have sharper edges that make grating easier. (© Nomura Kazuyuki)

The density of the sanshō wood makes it ideal for grinding. (© Nomura Kazuyuki)