Yoshidaさん Handcrafted Matcha Ishi Usu Stone Mill (石臼)
An authentic, Japanese stone mill for grinding Matcha fresh—handcrafted to order by one of the few living Ishi Usu artisans left.
Size: Variable
Weight: 23KG
Production: Since the stone mill is handcrafted to order in Japan, please allow for 30+ days for production and delivery.
Shipping: Free domestic shipping.
Please note that the Ishi Usu is handmade and thus each mill will have variations. Splits on the wood handle are normal and left intentionally by Yoshidaさん.
About Ishi Usu (石臼)
Ooika’s unique relationship with the master craftsman, Yoshidaさん, allows us to be the exclusive seller of his traditional Ishi Usu stone mills in the United States.
Each mill is hand-crafted to order by Yoshidaさん in his personal studio. These stone mills allow for grinding Matcha fresh, as it’s been done for centuries. Unrivaled and authentic, experience fresh-ground Matcha from home.
Tencha (unground Matcha) is available for purchase through Ooika to put your authentic stone mill to good use.
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Few alive in Japan have mastered, or even know of, the artisanship of Ishi Usu stones. Yoshidaさん’s mastery began while he was working at a stone cutter yard. An older woman came to visit, bringing with her a damaged antique Ishi Usu (石臼) stone mill for repairs. Yoshidaさん set up to learn the techniques and repair the stone.
Afterward, filled with memories of his Grandmother using an Ishi Usu (石臼) to prepare ground soba, he continued his study of stone mills. Today his mastery is truly comprehensive, relaying a great deal of information about milling to Ooika.
This hand-turned milled is perfect for home use. In just a matter of minutes, one can produce fresh-ground Matcha as it has been done for centuries. You’ll be able to experience fresh-from-the-mill Matcha, a luxury reserved only for the few who work in the Japanese tea industry.
Each mill is made to order by Yoshida in Japan, being crafted from scratch. Never before in the United States has such as tool or experience been made available.
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Ishi Usu (石臼) stone mill
Metal Matcha collection cup
Hand-crafted, cherry wood handle (splits are normal.)
One-hour training video call: Ooika’s Miller Marc will teach you how to use the mill appropriately.
Exclusive access to purchase Tencha (unground Matcha) from Ooika.
Free domestic shipping
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Please note: Over time, mills will wear down and require refinishing, known as Metate, depending both on frequency of use, and proper use. The duration is highly variable, ranging from once every 5 to 20+ to 50+ years. In the event of required refinishing, Ooika can arrange refinishing for a to-be-determined fee.
Teaware Notes
Category Ishi Usu (石臼) |
Artisan Yoshidaさん |
Origin Japan |
Mill Your Own Matcha
Yoshidaさん
Inside a small, cedar-lined home Yoshidaさん displayed his millstones.
Each is hand-crafted in his stone studio behind his home.
One of the few living Ishi Usu (石臼) masters.
His knowledge of stone mills is exceptional, and many of his designs are original.
Making of the Ishi Usu (石臼)
Selecting the Stone
Each stone mill is hand-carved from stone.
Some times come from Japan, others from Italy, and still others from France.
Each mill bears its own personality.
Meeting Yoshidaさん
We ground coffee beans with his Coffee Ishi Usu.
Then tasted fresh-ground Matcha from his Matcha mill.
Yoshidaさん is uncompromising—selling his mills only to those who understand the value of the nearly forgotten craft.
