Mokkou Yamani
A wooden spice mill, beautiful simply by existing, that seamlessly blends into your 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.
Available in two types, "pepper mill" and "salt mill," their unique forms offer an exceptional feel in your hand. These are exquisite items that truly stand out.
Shohei and Mirai entered the Wood Crafting Department of the Agematsu Vocational Technical School in Nagano Prefecture in the same year.
After graduating, Shohei worked on furniture production at a joinery shop, while Mirai gained experience at an upholstery workshop, both dedicating themselves to wood-related work.
In 2018, Shohei established "Mokkou Yamani" as his independent venture.
Then, in 2020, Mirai joined him, and their joint work as a couple officially began.
Knowing this background, one can deeply appreciate that these meticulously crafted pieces could only be created by two individuals who thoroughly understand wood.
Their precise and refined beauty, almost like an objet d'art, is captivating.
Grinding aromas, spinning shapes
Shohei began making pepper mills out of his love for black pepper and his desire 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.
Through repeated 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 derived from familiar objects, adding a touch of playfulness and charm.
Organic Design
The form features intertwining curves and straight lines, creating a quiet yet somewhat unrestrained indentation.
These distinctive shapes are said to be created using woodworking lathe techniques, typically employed for furniture components like table and chair legs.
I was surprised to learn that they draw inspiration from both Western and Eastern designs of the past, including the legs of imported Windsor chairs and low tables, as well as Buddhist implements and kokeshi dolls.
I personally use two convenient sizes at home, switching between them depending on the location and occasion.
The larger type shown in the photo is tall and can hold a generous amount of spice, 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 screw indicates a "pepper mill," while silver indicates a "salt mill."
The natural wood grain, and the classical gold and silver knob screws that harmonize with it, provide a subtle accent.
Grinding as if cutting
Driven by a desire to use domestically produced components, they reportedly use blades manufactured by "IKEDA," a brand of spice mills highly regarded by professionals in hotels and restaurants.
These Japanese-made blades are said to grind spices by "cutting" rather than "crushing" or "mashing," which allows for a more fragrant grind and maintains sharpness for a longer time.
The pleasant "crunch, crunch" sound and feel of grinding are also characteristic, making it quite addictive.
Another welcome feature is that they offer paid repairs for the wooden parts and blade replacement in case of malfunction or damage.
I look forward to cherishing it for a long time and watching it become an integral part of my life as I use it.
How to Use
First, remove the knob screw and the top part to refill with spices.
Hold the body with the knob screw loosened, and turn the top part clockwise to grind.
You can adjust the coarseness of the grind by tightening or loosening the knob screw.
For a coarse grind, loosen the screw; for a fine grind, tighten it slightly.
However, be very careful not to turn the top part when the screw is fully tightened, as this may cause damage.
The blissful taste enhanced by pepper
Pepper is perfect for finishing not only meat and fish dishes but also salads and pasta; classic carbonara, in particular, pairs so well with it that you'll want to make it again and again.
Pepper carries a natural essence, reminiscent of the warmth of earth or tree bark.
With this, I feel I'm completely hooked on pepper, which acts like a "flavor switch."
As the mill glides comfortably in my hand, the aroma of spices wafts up with each grind of pepper, filling the dining table with a sense of excitement.
Placed not just in the kitchen but also on the dining table, it serves as a warm, inviting interior decoration.
I highly recommend that you all try holding a "Mokkou Yamani" spice mill at least once, showcasing a love for pepper and the skilled artistry of craftsmanship.
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Creator: Mokkou Yamani / Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture
Materials
Body: Lauan (oil finish)
Screw: Brass
Blade: Stainless steel
Size: Approximately Φ60 × H130 mm
Microwave: ×
Dishwasher: ×
Oven: ×
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【About the product】
Since each item is handmade using natural materials, there may be individual differences in shape, color, and size.
【Precautions for use】
・Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and high humidity.
・Do not wash with water. If it gets dirty, wipe it with a cloth wrung out tightly after being dampened 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's blade or spices.
・The color of the wood may change over time due to aging.
・Only rock salt (refined) and pink rock salt can be used.
*Pink rock salt may cause discoloration of the blade.
・Use well-dried rock salt that is approximately 2-5mm in size.
・Some shapes may not be grindable.
【Maintenance】
In case of malfunction or damage, blade replacement is available for a fee.
If you wish to do so, please contact shop@amenoie.jp.
