MOKKOU YAMANI
Wooden spice mills that are beautiful just by being there, and blend seamlessly into the scenery of everyday life.
These spice mills are crafted by Mokkou Yamani, the workshop of Shohei and Mirai Uchiyama, a husband-and-wife team based in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture.
There are two types: "pepper mills" and "salt mills." Not only do they have unique forms, but their feel in the hand is also exceptional. They are truly exquisite pieces that stand out.
Shohei and Mirai enrolled in the Woodcraft Course at the Nagano Prefectural Agematsu Technical College in the same year.
After graduation, Shohei worked on furniture production at a joinery shop, while Mirai gained experience at an upholstery workshop, and both have been involved in woodworking.
In 2018, Shohei became independent under the name "Mokkou Yamani."
Then, from 2020, Mirai joined, and their activities as a couple officially began.
Knowing this background, one can deeply understand that these are works meticulously crafted by two individuals who know wood inside and out.
Their elegant and refined beauty, almost like an art object, is so captivating that one can't help but gaze at them.
Grinding aromas, weaving shapes
Shohei began 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 used in the green onion ramen served at a local ramen shop.
From there, through trial and error, he apparently created over 170 different shapes.
The passion poured into these pepper mills is palpable.
The names, such as "eggplant" and "sardine," are inspired by familiar objects, adding a touch of playfulness and charm.
Organic Design
The form is a blend of curves and straight lines, creating a tranquil yet somewhat uninhibited concavity.
These distinctive forms are apparently created using woodworking lathe techniques typically applied to furniture parts like table and chair legs.
I was surprised to learn that he drew inspiration from a variety of sources, both Western and Eastern, including the legs of imported Windsor chairs he admired, Japanese low table legs, Buddhist altarpieces, and even kokeshi dolls, referencing the designs of artisans past.
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 "pepper mill" has a gold adjusting screw, while the "salt mill" has a silver one.
The natural wood grain and the harmonizing classical gold or silver adjusting screws subtly add accent.
Grinding like cutting
With a desire to use domestically produced parts, the blades used are from "IKEDA," a manufacturer of spice mills highly regarded by professionals in hotels and restaurants.
These domestic blades are said to grind by "cutting" rather than "crushing" or "mashing," allowing for a highly fragrant grind and long-lasting sharpness.
The pleasant grinding sensation, a satisfying "jari-jari" sound, is also a characteristic, making it almost addictive.
Another welcome point is that they offer paid repair services for the wooden parts and blade replacement in case of malfunction or damage.
I look forward to using it for a long time and watching it become more familiar with my daily life as I use it.
How to Use
First, remove the adjusting screw and the top to refill the spices.
With the adjusting screw loosened, hold the body and turn the top clockwise to grind.
You can also adjust the coarseness of the grind by adjusting how tight the adjusting screw is.
Loosen the screw for a coarse grind, and tighten it for a fine grind.
However, be very careful not to turn the top with the screw fully tightened, as this could cause damage.
The exquisite flavor enhanced by pepper
Pepper is perfect for finishing meat and fish dishes, as well as salads and pasta. Classic carbonara, in particular, is an unbeatable combination that makes you want to repeat it again and again.
Pepper carries a natural scent, reminiscent of the warmth of earth and tree bark.
Pepper, a kind of "flavor switch," has completely captivated me because of this.
With the pleasant, smooth feel of the mill in hand, the aroma of spices wafts up each time the pepper is ground, filling the dining table with excitement.
By placing it not only in the kitchen but also on the dining table, it serves as an interior accent that allows you to feel the warmth of wood.
Please do pick up a spice mill from "Mokkou Yamani" at least once; it shines with a love for pepper and the skill and sensibility unique to handcrafted items.
