Mokko Yamani
A wooden spice mill that is beautiful just by being there and blends seamlessly into the landscape of your daily life.
These spice mills are made by "Mokko Yamani," a workshop run by Shohei and Mirai Uchiyama, a husband and wife team based in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture.
There are two types, "pepper mill" and "salt mill," and not only do they have a unique form, but they are also exceptionally comfortable to hold. They are exquisite pieces that stand out.
Shohei and Mirai enrolled in the woodworking and molding course at the Kiso Vocational School in Nagano Prefecture in the same year.
After graduation, Shohei was involved in furniture production at a joinery shop, and Mirai gained experience at chair upholstery workshops, both working in wood-related fields.
In 2018, Shohei established his own business under the name "Mokko Yamani."
Then, in 2020, Mirai also joined, and their joint activities as a couple officially began.
Knowing this background, one can deeply understand that these are meticulously crafted works that only two people who thoroughly understand wood could create.
Their elaborate, refined and beautiful appearance, like an objet d'art, is so captivating that you can't help but gaze at it.
Grinding aromas, weaving forms
Shohei started making pepper mills because he loved black pepper and wanted to create a tool that could grind it more deliciously himself.
It all started with the black pepper served on green onion ramen at a local ramen shop.
From there, through trial and error, over 170 different shapes were born.
The passion poured into the pepper mill is strongly felt.
The names are also playful and endearing, named after familiar objects such as "eggplant" and "sardine."
Organic Design
The form features a quiet yet somehow unrestrained concave shape, where curves and straight lines intertwine.
These unique forms are said to be created using woodworking lathe technology, which is used for furniture components such as table and chair legs.
I was surprised to hear that they drew inspiration from various sources, both Western and Eastern, including the legs of Windsor chairs and low tables from overseas that they liked, as well as Buddhist altar fittings and kokeshi dolls.
I use two sizes that are easy to use at home, and I differentiate their use depending on the place and situation.
The larger type in the photo is tall and can hold plenty of spices, so it's 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 gold knob is for the "pepper mill" and the silver is for the "salt mill."
The natural wood grain and the harmonizing classical gold and silver knobs add a subtle accent.
Grinding as if cutting
Driven by the desire to use domestically produced items, they use blades from "IKEDA," a manufacturer of spice mills highly regarded by professionals in hotels and restaurants.
Instead of "crushing" or "mashing," the domestic blade grinds by "cutting," allowing for a more fragrant grind and long-lasting sharpness.
The pleasant grinding sensation, a crisp "gari, gari," is also a characteristic feature, and it's easy to get addicted to it.
Another welcome point is that if a defect or malfunction occurs, they offer paid repairs for the wooden parts and replacement of the blades.
I look forward to using it for a long time and seeing it become more familiar to my life as I continue to use it.
How to use
First, remove the knob screw and the head to refill the spices.
With the knob screw loosened, grasp the body and turn the head clockwise to grind.
You can also adjust the grind by adjusting the tightness of the knob screw.
For a coarse grind, loosen the screw; for a fine grind, tighten it slightly.
However, be careful not to turn the head with the screw fully tightened, as this may cause a malfunction.
Elevated by Pepper, a Taste of Bliss
Pepper is perfect for finishing not only meat and fish dishes but also salads and pasta. In particular, classic carbonara is so compatible that you'll want to repeat it again and again.
Pepper has a natural scent, somehow reminiscent of the warmth of earth and tree bark.
Pepper, which acts like a "flavor switch," might just get me hooked.
As the mill slides comfortably in your hand, the aroma of spices rises with each grind of pepper, filling the dining table with exhilaration.
By placing it not only in the kitchen but also on the dining table, it also serves as an interior accent that allows you to feel the warmth of wood.
Please try Mokko Yamani's spice mill, which shines with a love for pepper and the skill and sense unique to handmade craftsmanship.
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Maker: Mokko Yamani / Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture
Material
Body: Ash (oil finish)
Screw: Brass
Blade: Stainless steel
Size: Approximately Φ65 × H130 mm
Microwave: ×
Dishwasher: ×
Oven: ×
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【About the product】
Since 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.
・Cannot be washed with water. If it gets dirty, wipe it with a damp, tightly wrung cloth.
・If the wood surface becomes rough, apply beeswax wax or edible oil (olive oil, flaxseed oil, perilla oil, etc.) and wipe it thoroughly.
・If not used for a long period, remove the contents and store to prevent deterioration of the mill blade and spices.
・The color of the wood may change over time.
・Only rock salt (refined) and pink rock salt can be used.
*Pink rock salt may cause the blade to discolor.
・Please use well-dried rock salt with a size of approximately 2-5mm.
・Some shapes may not be able to be ground.
【Care and Maintenance】
If there is a defect or malfunction, blade replacement is available for a fee.
If you wish to do so, please contact shop@amenoie.jp.
