Usu (Mortar)

Usu is a large mortar traditionally used in Japan for various purposes, notably in the traditional Japanese mochi making ceremony known as mochitsuki.

History

The usu has a long history in Japan, with evidence of its use dating back to the Jōmon period. It was traditionally made from wood, stone, or iron, and was used for grinding grains, nuts, and other hard foods. The usu was an essential tool in the Japanese kitchen, and its importance is reflected in its frequent appearance in Japanese art and literature.

Design

The usu is typically a large, heavy object, often weighing several hundred kilograms. It is usually cylindrical or slightly conical in shape, and is wide enough to allow a person to stand inside it. The inside of the usu is hollowed out to form a bowl, which is used to hold the food to be ground. The usu is typically used in conjunction with a kine, a large wooden mallet used to pound the food in the usu.

Usage

The most well-known use of the usu is in the making of mochi, a type of Japanese rice cake. During the mochitsuki ceremony, glutinous rice is soaked overnight and then steamed. The steamed rice is then placed into the usu and pounded with the kine until it forms a smooth, sticky mass. This mass is then shaped into cakes and allowed to cool before being eaten.

The usu is also used in the preparation of other foods, such as soba noodles and sesame seed paste. In addition to its culinary uses, the usu is sometimes used in traditional Japanese rituals and ceremonies.

See also

• Mochi
• Mochitsuki
• Mortar and pestle
• Japanese cuisine