Mokkou Yamani
Wooden spice mills that are beautiful just by being there, and seamlessly blend into the landscape of your daily 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, "pepper mill" and "salt mill," and not only do they have a unique form, but their usability in your hand is also exceptional. They are exquisite pieces that truly stand out.
Shohei and Mirai enrolled in the Woodcraft Course at the Agematsu Technical College in Nagano Prefecture in the same year.
After graduating, Shohei worked on furniture production at a joinery shop, and Mirai gained experience at upholstery workshops, both engaging in wood-related work.
In 2018, Shohei became independent under the name "Mokkou Yamani."
From 2020, Mirai also joined, and their collaborative work as a couple officially began.
Knowing this background, it's deeply understandable that these are meticulously crafted pieces that only two people with such deep knowledge of wood could create.
Their elaborate, refined beauty, almost like an art object, is so captivating that you can't help but gaze at them.
Grinding aromas, spinning forms
Shohei began making pepper mills because he loved black pepper and wanted to create a tool that could grind it more deliciously himself.
The inspiration for this apparently came from the black pepper used in the green onion ramen served at a local ramen shop.
Through repeated trial and error, he apparently created over 170 different shapes.
The passion poured into these pepper mills is palpable.
The names are also derived from familiar objects like "nasu" (eggplant) and "iwashi" (sardine), giving them a playful and charming feel.
Organic Design
The form features intertwining curves and straight lines, creating quiet yet somehow uninhibited hollows.
These distinctive shapes are created using woodworking lathe techniques, which are typically used for furniture components like table and chair legs.
I was surprised to learn that they draw inspiration from the designs of their predecessors, both Western and Eastern, including the legs of imported Windsor chairs they admired, legs of low tables, and even Buddhist altars 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 in the photo is tall and can hold a generous amount 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 gold knob indicates a "pepper mill," while silver indicates a "salt mill."
The natural wood grain and the classical gold and silver knobs that harmonize with it subtly add an accent.
Grinding like cutting
Out of 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 more fragrant grind and long-lasting sharpness.
The satisfying crunching sound and feel of grinding are also 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 knob screw and top part to refill the spices.
With the knob screw loosened, hold the body and turn the top part clockwise to grind.
You can adjust the fineness of the grind by adjusting how tightly the knob screw is fastened.
For a coarse grind, loosen the screw; for a fine grind, tighten it.
However, be very careful not to turn the top part when the screw is fully tightened, as this may cause damage.
The exquisite taste 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 perfectly complemented by pepper 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 have completely captivated me through this experience.
With the pleasant feel of the mill gliding in my hand, each grind of pepper releases a waft of spice aroma, spreading a sense of excitement over the dining table.
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.
We invite you to experience the spice mills from "Mokkou Yamani," which shine with a love for pepper and the skills and sensibility unique to handcrafted items.
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Creator: Mokkou Yamani / Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture
Material
Body: Koshiabura wood (iron roasted) (oil finish)
Screw: Brass
Blade: Iron
Size: Approx. Φ55 × H160 mm
Microwave: ×
Dishwasher: ×
Oven: ×
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【About the product】
As these are 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 becomes dirty, wipe it with a cloth tightly 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.
・Please refrain from using salt or pink pepper.
・Use well-dried, oil-free pepper with a grain size of approximately 2-5mm.
・Depending on the shape, it may not be possible to grind.
【Maintenance】
In case of malfunction or damage, blade replacement is available for a fee.
If you wish, please contact shop@amenoie.jp.
