Grinding Fragrance, Weaving Form
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 on 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.
The names, such as "eggplant" and "sardine," are inspired by everyday objects, conveying a sense of playfulness and charm.
Organic Design
The forms are a blend of curves and straight lines, creating a quiet yet somewhat uninhibited impression with their recessed shapes.
These unique forms are said to be created using a woodworking lathe, a technique commonly employed in furniture making for items like table and chair legs.
I was surprised to learn that they drew inspiration from various sources, both Western and Eastern, such as the legs of their favorite overseas-made Windsor chairs, zashiki (low table) legs, Buddhist altar fittings, and kokeshi dolls, incorporating the designs of their predecessors.
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 a generous amount of spices, making it very convenient for daily kitchen use.
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 metal fittings 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, don't they?
Grinding as if cutting
Driven by the desire to use domestic products, they utilize blades 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," resulting in a more fragrant grind and long-lasting sharpness.
The satisfying crunching sound and feel are also characteristic, and one might easily become addicted to it.
Another welcome point is that in case of malfunction or damage, they offer paid repairs for the wooden parts and blade replacement.
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 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 grind size by adjusting how tightly the adjusting screw is fastened.
For a coarse grind, loosen the screw; for a fine grind, tighten it slightly.
However, be very careful not to turn the top part with the screw fully tightened, as this could cause damage.
The supreme flavor enhanced by pepper
Pepper is perfect for finishing meat and fish dishes, as well as salads and pasta. Classic carbonara, in particular, is so compatible that you'll want to make it again and again.
Pepper carries a natural scent, somehow reminiscent of the warmth of earth and tree bark.
Pepper, like a "flavor switch," seems to be something I'm completely hooked on now, thanks to this.
Along with the pleasant sensation of the mill gliding in your hand, each time pepper is ground, the aroma of spices wafts up, spreading a sense of excitement across 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.
Please try holding a "Mokko Yamani" spice mill in your hands, which shines with a love for pepper and the unique skill and sensibility of craftsmanship.
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Craftsman: Mokko Yamani / Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture
Materials
Body: Chestnut (oil finish)
Screw: Brass
Blade: Stainless steel
Size: Approximately Φ55 × H130 mm
Microwave: ×
Dishwasher: ×
Oven: ×
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【About the product】
As these are handmade from natural materials, there may be individual differences in shape, color, and size.
【Precautions for use】
・Store away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, and humidity.
・Do not wash with water. If it gets dirty, wipe it with a cloth dampened with water and wrung out tightly.
・If the wood surface becomes rough, apply beeswax wax or edible oil (such as olive oil, linseed oil, 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 due to aging.
・Only rock salt (refined) and pink rock salt can be used.
※Pink rock salt may cause discoloration of the blade.
・Please use well-dried rock salt with a size of approximately 2-5mm.
・It may not be possible to grind certain shapes.
【Maintenance】
In case of malfunction or damage, blade replacement is available for a fee.
If you wish, please contact shop@amenoie.jp.
Mokko Yamani
