These high quality pestles are made from natural Japanese prickly ash wood. The entire process of making the pestles is done by hand, from cutting the trees to the finished product! Prickly ash takes a long time to grow, which makes the tree hard and excellent for abrasion. The pestles no longer come w/ a hanging loop - use the hole at the top if desired to hang the pestles from a hook. Or, add your own loop upon receiving. - The 4" pestle is approx. 5/8" diameter. - The 7" pestle is approx. 7/8" diameter. - The 9 1/2" pestle is approx. 1" in diameter. - The 12" pestle is approx. 1 1/2" diameter. The appropriate length of a pestle is approx. twice the diameter of the mortar you are pairing it with, however, can vary depending on what you are crushing. Hand wash and dry immediately. Do not microwave, put in the dishwasher, or get near an open flame. Since this is made from natural wood there is slight differentiation in size. Pair with our many styles and sizes of mortars!