Collection: Mortar & Pestle (Pigment Grinding Set)

A Mortar for Creating Subtle Traditional Japanese Colors

The mortar (nyūbatsu) is used to finely grind gofun (shell-based white pigment) and suihi pigments for Japanese painting.
It is an essential tool for authentic Nihonga production.
By grinding pigments into fine powder and mixing them with animal glue (nikawa), you can achieve a wide range of refined Japanese colors.

How to Use a Mortar

A mortar is used together with a pestle to grind pigments into fine powder.
Pigments for Japanese painting, such as mineral pigments (iwa-enogu) and suihi pigments, are often sold in hard or coarse forms made from soil or minerals.

To dissolve them in glue solution or water for painting, they must be finely ground.
Place the pigment in the mortar and grind it gently with the pestle while mixing.
Because mortars are heavy ceramic, place a cloth underneath to prevent slipping, and lightly support the rim with your free hand.
Hold the pestle as vertically as possible and apply steady, moderate pressure without pressing too hard.