Hand-Made Horoku for Roasting Sesame Seeds
Horoku is a very traditional type of tool, used for dry-roasting sesame seeds, tea leaves, etc. over an open flame. You put sesame seeds inside the Horoku, set it over an open flame, and gently oscillate it to roast evenly. The nutty aroma of sesame will delight your nose. This classic everyday tool used to be more common among older generations in Japan, but its functionality and minimalist wabi-sabi beauty have been rediscovered and appreciated by new generations. You can also use the Horoku for dry-roasting coffee beans, sea salt, brown rice (for making tea), etc. No oil is necessary for roasting. This hand-made Horoku is finished with Tessa (鉄砂), a glaze known for its warm, earthy tones and distinctive rust-red appearance.
Traditional Form with a Functional Handle
The Horoku features a low, rounded body designed to keep ingredients moving easily as they roast. Its long, hollow handle is easy to hold and doubles as a spout, allowing the freshly roasted ingredients to be poured out neatly when finished.
Handmade in Yokkaichi by Minamiyamahiko Seitosho
Based in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, Minamiyamahiko Seitosho is led by a ceramic artist who has devoted decades to his craft. His work begins with original designs and is developed through careful experimentation with glaze formulations and firing techniques. With an emphasis on handcraftsmanship, each piece reflects the individual character and skill of its maker.
Banko-yaki: A Major Donabe-Making Tradition
Banko-yaki (萬古焼) is a celebrated ceramic tradition centered in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, with roots dating back to the Edo period. Yokkaichi Banko-yaki was designated as a Traditional Craft of Japan in 1979. The region became especially renowned for donabe through the development of highly heat-resistant clay suited for cooking over direct heat. Today, approximately 80% of Japan’s domestically produced donabe are made in the Yokkaichi area, making Banko-yaki an important part of Japan’s donabe culture.
How to Roast Sesame Seeds
Before the first use, please rinse and dry your Horoku completely.
1. Insert ingredients from the open hole in the Horoku body. Make sure the Horoku is dry before heating it, as the wet body could cause cracking when heated.
2. Roast sesame seeds over desired heat level (we suggest low heat). Hold the handle and gently shake the Horoku for even roasting as necessary. Use an oven mitt to hold the handle, as it could get very hot. Watch it all the time, and be careful not to burn the contents.
3. When the sesame seeds are roasted to your desired level, lift the Horoku and pour them out from the hole in the end of the handle into a bowl.
Your Horoku develops its character as it ages
As you use your Horoku over time, it develops its character. The color and texture could change slightly, and these are all the welcoming characteristics of wabi-sabi beauty.
- The very thin cracks could appear inside. It’s called “kannyu” in Japanese and the cracks run like veins. They are the naturally developed cracks on the glaze and won’t affect the function of the Horoku.
- Over multiple uses, the bottom part may begin to change color, and dark spots (like scorch marks) may appear. This is a natural part of the Horoku developing character.
Every Banko-yaki piece is unique and no two pieces are identical. There are slight variations within the color/ shade, shape/ curve, and patterns, among pieces, and that makes each piece so special. Also, under different lighting and angles, the actual color shade and nuance may appear slightly different from the photos on this page.
- Size: 9.4” long x 5.5” wide x 3” high | 24 cm long x 14 cm wide x 7.5 cm high
- Weight: 1.1 lbs | 0.5 kg
Material: Clay
Producer: Minamiyamahiko Seitosho
Origin: Mie, Japan
Included in the package: Horoku
Usage and Care
- Ideal for gas stove top use.
- Once you empty the contents and Horoku is completely cooled down, you can either just shake off or gently wipe the inside with paper towel (dry or wet) as necessary.
- If you wish to wash Horoku, use a soft sponge with mild soap.
- Hand wash only.
- This product does not need to be seasoned before its first use.
