This small mortar was made at the Oujigama kiln in Seto, central Japan. In the suribachi style, such mortars were originally used for crushing sesame seeds and other ingredients. With a long history within Seto ceramics, before the advent of electric blenders they were a staple product at the Ouji kiln. Today they remain practical items, with the combed ceramic base a pleasing surface on which to work when combined with a wooded pestle (surikogi). These are available separately. Those made by Oujigama are fired to a high temperature, so the combed ridges will stand up to wear. It is 5cm high, and 11cm in diameter. It weighs around 165g and has a capacity of 93ml *As handmade items, there are differences between them. **About Oujigama** Oujigama is part of the ceramic heritage of the Seto region of central Japan. Ceramics have been made in Seto over an unbroken one thousand year history. Oujigama has been active since the late 18 century, a period just before production in the region sh