Mokkou Yamani
A wooden spice mill that is beautiful just by existing, blending effortlessly into the landscape of everyday life.
This is a spice mill 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," they boast not only unique forms but also exceptional comfort in hand. These are truly exquisite pieces that stand out.
Shohei and Mirai enrolled in the Woodcraft and Design department at the Agematsu Technical College in Nagano Prefecture in the same year.
After graduation, Shohei worked on furniture production at a joinery shop, while Mirai gained experience at an upholstery workshop, both pursuing careers related to wood.
In 2018, Shohei established his independent workshop under the name "Mokkou Yamani."
Then, in 2020, Mirai joined him, and their joint activities as a couple officially began.
Knowing this background, one can deeply appreciate that these works, meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail, could only be produced by two individuals who thoroughly understand wood.
Their precise and refined beauty, like sculptures, is so captivating that one can't help but gaze at them.
Grinding aromas, spinning forms
Shohei started making pepper mills out of a passion for black pepper, wanting to create a tool that could grind it more deliciously himself.
His inspiration, apparently, was the black pepper used in the green onion ramen served at a local ramen shop.
Through repeated trial and error, he ended up creating over 170 different shapes.
The passion poured into these pepper mills is palpable.
The names, such as "Nasu" (eggplant) and "Iwashi" (sardine), are derived from familiar objects, adding a playful and charming touch.
Organic design
A form where curves and linear lines intertwine, creating indentations that are quiet yet subtly wild.
These distinctive forms are created using techniques found in furniture making, such as the legs of tables and chairs, utilizing a wood lathe.
I was surprised to learn that they drew inspiration from various sources, both Western and Eastern, including the legs of imported Windsor chairs they admired, the legs of low tables, as well as Buddhist altar fittings 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 plenty of spices, making it very useful 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," and the silver knob indicates a "salt mill."
The natural wood grain, harmonized with the classical gold and silver knobs, adds a subtle accent.
Grinding like cutting
Driven by the desire to use domestic products, they reportedly use blades made by "IKEDA," a manufacturer of spice mills highly regarded by professionals in hotels and restaurants.
These Japanese blades are said to grind by "cutting" rather than "crushing" or "mashing," resulting in a highly aromatic grind and long-lasting sharpness.
The satisfying crunching sound and feel of the grind are also distinctive features, 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 cherishing it for a long time, as it will become more familiar with my life the more I use it.
How to Use
First, remove the knob screw and the top to replenish the spices.
With the knob screw loosened, grip the body and turn the top clockwise to grind.
You can adjust the coarseness of the grind by tightening or loosening the knob screw.
Loosen the screw for a coarse grind, and tighten it for a fine grind.
However, be very careful not to turn the top with the screw fully tightened, as this may cause damage.
The supreme taste 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 with pepper that I want to repeat it again and again.
Pepper carries a natural essence, reminiscent of the warmth of earth or the bark of a tree.
It's like a "flavor switch," and I'm completely hooked on pepper because of it.
With the pleasant feel of the mill gliding in my hand, each grind of pepper releases its aroma, creating a heightened sense of excitement at the dinner table.
Placed not only in the kitchen but also on the dining table, it serves as an interior accent, offering the warmth of wood.
Please do 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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Maker: Mokkou Yamani / Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture
Materials
Body: Hackberry (iron roasted) (oil finish)
Screw: Brass
Blade: Stainless steel
Size: Approximately Φ52 ×H130 mm
Microwave: ×
Dishwasher: ×
Oven: ×
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【About the product】
As each item is 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 thoroughly wrung out after being dampened with water.
・If the wood surface becomes dry, apply beeswax wax or edible oil (olive oil, linseed oil, perilla oil, etc.) and wipe thoroughly.
・If not used for a long period, remove the contents to prevent deterioration of the mill's 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.
・Some shapes may not be grindable.
【Maintenance】
In case of malfunction or damage, blade replacement is available for a fee.
If you wish, please contact shop@amenoie.jp.
