Mokkou Yamani
These wooden spice mills are beautiful simply by existing, seamlessly blending into the everyday 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.
Available in two types, "pepper mill" and "salt mill," they boast not only unique forms but also exceptional comfort in hand. These are truly exquisite items that stand out.
Shohei and Mirai Uchiyama enrolled in the same year in the Wood Craft Department at Kamimatsu Technical School in Nagano Prefecture.
After graduation, Shohei was involved in furniture making at a joinery shop, while Mirai gained experience at an upholstery workshop, both working in wood-related fields.
In 2018, Shohei became independent under the name "Mokkou Yamani."
Then, in 2020, Mirai joined, and their joint activities as a couple officially began.
Knowing this background, one can deeply appreciate that these works, with their meticulous attention to detail, could only be created by two individuals who thoroughly understand wood.
Their elaborate, refined beauty, like that of an art object, is truly captivating.
Grinding aromas, spinning shapes
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 began with the black pepper served with green onion ramen at a local ramen shop.
Through trial and error, he apparently created over 170 different shapes.
The passion poured into these pepper mills is palpable.
They are named after familiar objects like "Nasu" (eggplant) and "Iwashi" (sardine), showcasing a playful and charming sensibility.
Organic Design
The form, with its intertwined curves and straight lines, creates hollows that are quiet yet somehow unrestrained.
Such unique shapes are created using woodworking lathe techniques, which are also used for furniture such as table and chair legs.
I was surprised to learn that they drew inspiration from the designs of their predecessors, both Western and Eastern, including the legs of imported Windsor chairs and low tables that they admired, as well as Buddhist altar fittings and kokeshi dolls.
I personally use two convenient sizes for home use, choosing between them depending on the place 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 and silver adjusting screws subtly add an accent.
Grinding like cutting
Driven by a desire to use Japanese-made products, they reportedly use blades manufactured by "IKEDA," a company renowned for producing spice mills favored by professionals in hotels and restaurants.
These Japanese blades, rather than crushing or pulverizing, are said to grind like cutting, resulting in a more aromatic grind and long-lasting sharpness.
The satisfying, crunchy grinding sensation is also a distinctive feature that might just become addictive.
Another welcome point is that in the event of a malfunction or damage, repairs to the wooden parts and replacement of the blades can be done for a fee.
I look forward to cherishing it for a long time and watching it become more integrated into my life with continued use.
How to use
First, remove the adjusting screw and the top part to refill the spices.
With the adjusting screw loosened, hold the body and turn the top part clockwise to grind.
You can also adjust the coarseness of the grind by adjusting the tightness of the adjusting screw.
Loosen the screw for a coarse grind, and tighten it for a fine grind.
However, be very careful not to turn the top part with the screw fully tightened, as this may cause damage.
Enhanced by pepper, a blissful flavor
Pepper is perfect not only for meat and fish dishes but also for finishing salads and pasta. In particular, classic carbonara is so well-suited to pepper that you'll want to repeat it again and again.
Pepper carries a hint of nature, reminiscent of the warmth of earth or tree bark.
I feel like I'm completely hooked on pepper, which acts like a "flavor switch," thanks to this experience.
With the pleasant gliding sensation 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 brings the warmth of wood into the home.
I highly recommend you try the "Mokkou Yamani" spice mill, which shines 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: Mizuki (Dogwood) (iron roasted) (oil finish)
Screw: Brass
Blade: Iron
Size: approx. Φ68 × H160 mm
Microwave: ×
Dishwasher: ×
Oven: ×
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【About the product】
As these are handmade from natural materials, individual differences in shape, color, and size may be observed.
【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 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 to prevent deterioration of the mill blade and spices, and store.
・The color of the wood may change over time due to aging.
・Only black pepper and white pepper can be used.
・Do not use salt or pink pepper.
・Use well-dried, oil-free pepper with a grain size of approximately 2-5mm.
・It may not grind depending on the shape of the peppercorns.
【Maintenance】
In case of malfunction or damage, blade replacement is available for a fee.
If you wish, please contact shop@amenoie.jp.
