Mokkou Yamani
A wooden spice mill that is beautiful just by being there, and seamlessly blends into the landscape of your life.
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.
There are two types, a "pepper mill" and a "salt mill," and their unique forms offer an exceptional feel when held. They are truly exquisite pieces that stand out.
Shohei and Mirai both enrolled in the Woodcraft Department at the Agematsu Technical College in Nagano Prefecture in the same year.
After graduation, Shohei worked on furniture production at a joinery shop, and Mirai gained experience at an upholstery workshop, both pursuing careers related to wood.
In 2018, Shohei became independent under the name "Mokkou Yamani."
In 2020, Mirai joined him, and their joint work as a couple officially began.
Knowing this background, one can deeply appreciate that these works are meticulously crafted by two individuals who thoroughly understand wood. The precise, refined beauty of their appearance, almost like an objet d'art, is captivating to behold.
Grind fragrance, weave forms
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 served in the green onion ramen at a local ramen shop.
Through trial and error, over 170 different shapes were born.
The passion poured into these pepper mills is palpable.
The names, such as "Nasu" (eggplant) and "Iwashi" (sardine), are inspired by everyday objects, adding a touch of playfulness and charm.
Organic Design
The form features intertwining curves and straight lines, creating quiet yet somewhat uninhibited indentations.
These distinctive shapes are created using woodworking lathe techniques, typically used for furniture such as table and chair legs.
I was surprised to learn that they draw inspiration from traditional designs, both Western and Eastern, including the legs of imported Windsor chairs they loved, the legs of low tables, as well as Buddhist altar fittings and kokeshi dolls.
I personally use two sizes that are easy to use at home, switching between them depending on the location and occasion.
The larger type shown 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 thumb 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 thumb screws add a subtle accent.
Grinding as if cutting
With a desire to use domestic products, they reportedly use blades manufactured by "IKEDA," a company that produces spice mills highly regarded by professionals in hotels and restaurants.
These domestic blades are said to grind by "cutting" rather than "crushing" or "mashing," resulting in a fragrant grind and long-lasting sharpness.
The satisfying crunching sound and feel of the grind are also distinctive and quite addictive.
Another welcome point is that in the event of a malfunction or breakdown, they offer paid repairs for the wooden parts and replacement of the blades.
It's a joy to be able to use it for a long time and watch it become more integrated into my daily life with each use.
How to Use
First, remove the thumb screw and the head to refill the spices.
With the thumb screw loosened, grasp the body and turn the head clockwise to grind.
You can adjust the coarseness of the grind by tightening or loosening the thumb screw.
Loosen the screw for a coarser grind, and tighten it for a finer grind.
However, be careful not to turn the head with the screw fully tightened, as this may cause damage.
Exquisite Flavor Enhanced by Pepper
Pepper is perfect not only for meat and fish dishes but also for finishing salads and pasta. In particular, classic carbonara is so compatible that you'll want to make it again and again.
Pepper carries a natural scent, reminiscent of the warmth of earth or tree bark.
Pepper, like a "flavor switch," seems to be something I'm getting completely hooked on because of this.
As the mill glides smoothly in my hand, the aroma of spices wafts up with each grind of pepper, filling the dining table with excitement.
By placing it not just in the kitchen but also on the dining table, it serves as a piece of interior decor that brings the warmth of wood into your home.
We invite you to experience the spice mills from "Mokkou Yamani," which shine with a love for pepper and the skill and sensibility unique to handcrafted items.
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Craftsman: Mokkou Yamani / Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture
Materials
Body: Chestnut (oil finish)
Screw: Brass
Blade: Iron
Size: Approximately Φ55 × H160 mm
Microwave: ×
Dishwasher: ×
Oven: ×
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【About the product】
Since each item is handmade from natural materials, there may be individual differences in shape, color, and size.
【Usage Precautions】
・Store away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, and high humidity.
・Cannot be washed with water. If it gets dirty, wipe it with a cloth thoroughly wrung out with water.
・If the wood surface becomes dry, apply beeswax wax or edible oil (such as olive oil, linseed oil, or perilla oil) and wipe 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 black pepper and white pepper can be used.
・Do not use salt or pink peppercorns.
・Use well-dried, oil-free peppercorns with a size of approximately 2-5mm.
・May not grind depending on the shape of the peppercorn.
【Maintenance】
If a defect or malfunction occurs, blade replacement is available for a fee.
If you wish to do so, please contact shop@amenoie.jp.
