Japanese Wooden Usu Pen Holder, 1900s

Authentic hand-carved wooden mortar from Japan, originally used for grinding herbs, spices, or pigments with a round wooden pestle (surikogi).

Dimensions: height 5.5 cm, width 26 cm, depth 8.5 cm.

Carved from a single block of hardwood, it features a distinctive geometric shape with angled sides. The interior bears traces of long use, while the exterior has developed a beautiful natural patina. Japanese calligraphy is incised on both sides of the wood.

Today, this piece serves perfectly as an elegant holder for pens or stationery on a desk — a unique wabi-sabi accent where history and simplicity meet.