Mokkou Yamani
Wooden spice mills that are beautiful just by being there, seamlessly blending into the everyday landscape.
These spice mills are crafted by "Mokkou Yamani," a workshop run by husband and wife Shohei and Mirai Uchiyama, based in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture.
Available in two types, "pepper mill" and "salt mill," their unique form is matched by an exceptional feel in the hand. They are truly exquisite pieces that stand out.
Shohei and Mirai Uchiyama entered the Woodwork and Craft Department of Kamimatsu Technical School in Nagano Prefecture in the same year.
After graduating, Shohei worked in furniture production at a joinery shop, while Mirai gained experience in upholstery workshops, and both pursued careers related to wood.
In 2018, Shohei established "Mokkou Yamani" as his independent workshop.
Then, in 2020, Mirai joined him, and their collaborative work as a couple began in earnest.
Knowing this background, one can deeply appreciate that these works, meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail, could only be created by two people with such profound knowledge of wood.
Their elaborate, refined beauty, like a sculpted object, is captivating.
Grinding aromas, weaving shapes
Shohei began making pepper mills out of a love for black pepper and a desire to create a tool that would allow him to grind it more deliciously himself.
It all started with the black pepper served with green onion ramen at a local ramen shop, he says.
Through trial and error, he eventually created over 170 different shapes.
The passion poured into these pepper mills is palpable.
The names, such as "eggplant" and "sardine," are derived from familiar objects, adding a touch of playfulness and charm.
Organic design
The form features a quiet yet somewhat uninhibited curvature, where curves and straight lines intertwine.
These distinctive shapes are created using woodworking lathe techniques, typically employed for furniture components such as table and chair legs.
I was surprised to learn that they draw inspiration from various designs by their predecessors, both Western and Eastern, including the legs of imported Windsor chairs they admired, legs of low tables, as well as Buddhist altar fittings and kokeshi dolls.
I personally use two convenient sizes at home, switching between them depending on the location and occasion.
The larger type in the photo is tall and can hold plenty of spices, making it very convenient for daily use in the kitchen.
On the other hand, the smaller type is compact and perfect for enjoying freshly ground spices at the dining table.
The adjusting screw with gold hardware is for the "pepper mill," and silver is for the "salt mill."
The natural wood grain and the harmonizing classical gold or silver adjusting screws gently add an accent.
Grinding as if cutting
Driven by the desire to use domestic products, they utilize blades made by "IKEDA," a company renowned for manufacturing spice mills trusted by professionals in hotels and restaurants.
These domestic blades are said to grind "as if cutting" rather than crushing or pulverizing, resulting in a more aromatic grind and long-lasting sharpness.
The pleasant "jarr-jarr" grinding sensation is also a distinctive feature, which can become quite addictive.
Another welcome point is that in case of malfunction or damage, repairs to the wooden parts and replacement of the blades are available for a fee.
I look forward to using it for a long time and watching it become an integral part of my life as it ages.
How to Use
First, remove the adjusting screw and the top part to refill the spices.
With the adjusting screw loosened, hold the main body and turn the top part clockwise to grind.
You can adjust the coarseness of the grind by tightening or loosening the adjusting screw.
Loosen the screw for a coarser grind, and tighten it for a finer grind.
However, be very careful not to turn the top part when the screw is fully tightened, as this may cause damage.
Enhanced by Pepper, a Blissful Taste
Pepper is perfect not only for meat and fish dishes but also as a finishing touch for salads and pasta. Classic carbonara, in particular, is so perfectly complemented by pepper that I find myself wanting to make it again and again.
Pepper carries a natural essence, reminiscent of the warmth of earth and tree bark.
I've become completely hooked on pepper, which acts like a "flavor switch."
As the mill glides comfortably in your hand, the aroma of spices wafts up with each grind, filling the dining table with a sense of excitement.
Placed not only in the kitchen but also on the dining table, it serves as an interior accent that brings the warmth of wood into the home.
I highly recommend that you experience the spice mills from "Mokkou Yamani," which shine with a passion for pepper and the skill and artistry unique to handcrafted items.
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Craftsman: Mokkou Yamani / Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture
Materials
Body: Mulberry (oil finish)
Screw: Brass
Blade: Iron
Size: Approx. Φ70 × H130 mm
Microwave: ×
Dishwasher: ×
Oven: ×
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【About the product】
Because it is handmade using natural materials, there may be individual differences in shape, color, and size.
【Precautions for use】
・Store away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, and high humidity.
・Do not wash with water. If it gets dirty, wipe it with a cloth dampened with water and wrung out tightly.
・If the wood surface becomes dry, apply beeswax wax or edible oil (olive oil, flaxseed oil, perilla oil, etc.) and wipe it thoroughly.
・If not used for a long time, remove the contents and store it to prevent deterioration of the mill blade and spices.
・The color of the wood may change over time.
・Only black pepper and white pepper can be used.
・Please refrain from using salt or pink pepper.
・Use well-dried, oil-free pepper with a grain size of approximately 2-5mm.
・Some shapes may not be grindable.
【Maintenance】
In case of malfunction or damage, blade replacement is available for a fee.
If you wish, please contact shop@amenoie.jp.
