Mokkou Yamani
A wooden spice mill, beautiful simply by existing, seamlessly blending into the everyday landscape.
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 "pepper mill" and "salt mill" types, their unique forms offer an exceptional feel in hand. Each piece is a masterpiece that commands attention.
Shohei and Mirai enrolled in the same year at the Ueda Technical School, Woodcraft Department, in Nagano Prefecture.
After graduating, Shohei worked on furniture production at a joinery shop, while Mirai gained experience at chair upholstery workshops, both engaging in wood-related work.
In 2018, Shohei established "Mokkou Yamani" under his own name.
Then, in 2020, Mirai joined him, and their collaborative work as a couple officially began.
Knowing this background, one can deeply understand that these are meticulously crafted pieces, created by two individuals who have mastered wood.
Their refined beauty and precise, almost sculptural, appearance are captivating.
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 used in the green onion ramen served at a local ramen shop, he says.
Through trial and error, he created 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 touch of playfulness and charm.
Organic Design
The forms feature a quiet yet somehow unrestrained indentation, where curves and straight lines intertwine.
These distinctive shapes are created using woodturning techniques, commonly employed for furniture parts like table and chair legs.
I was surprised to hear that they drew inspiration from various sources, both Western and Eastern, including the legs of imported Windsor chairs and low tables they admired, as well as Buddhist implements and kokeshi dolls, referencing the designs of their predecessors.
I personally use two convenient sizes at home, switching 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 practical 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 screw with gold hardware is for the "pepper mill," and the silver is for the "salt mill."
The natural wood grain and the harmonizing classical gold and silver screws provide a subtle accent.
Grinding by Cutting
Driven by a desire to use domestic products, they use blades made by "IKEDA," a manufacturer of spice mills highly regarded by professionals in hotels and restaurants.
The domestic blades are said to grind by "cutting" rather than "crushing" or "mashing," resulting in a fragrant grind and long-lasting sharpness.
The satisfying crunching sound and feel of grinding are also a distinct feature, making it quite addictive.
Another welcome point is that they offer paid repair services for the wood 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 continue to use it.
How to Use
First, remove the thumb screw and the top part to refill the spices.
With the thumb screw loosened, grasp the main body and turn the top part clockwise to grind.
You can adjust the coarseness of the grind by adjusting how tightly the thumb screw is fastened.
Loosen the screw for a coarse grind, and tighten it for a fine grind.
However, be very careful not to turn the top part when the screw is fully tightened, as this may cause damage.
Enhanced by Pepper, a Blissful Flavor
Pepper is perfect for finishing not only meat and fish dishes but also salads and pasta, and classic carbonara, in particular, is so compatible that you'll want to make it again and again.
Pepper has a natural essence, reminiscent of the warmth of earth or tree bark.
I've become completely hooked on pepper, which acts like a "flavor switch," thanks to this experience.
As the mill glides comfortably in my hand, the aroma of spices wafts up with each grind of pepper, creating an uplifting atmosphere at the dining table.
By placing it not just in the kitchen but also on the dining table, it serves as an interior accent that brings the warmth of wood into the space.
Please try holding one of Mokkou Yamani's spice mills, which shine 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: Cherry (oil finish)
Screw: Brass
Blade: Stainless steel
Size: Approx. Φ65 × H160 mm
Microwave: ×
Dishwasher: ×
Oven: ×
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【About the product】
Since these products 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 gets dirty, wipe it with a cloth thoroughly wrung out after wetting it 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 it thoroughly.
・If not in use for a long period, remove the contents and store it to prevent deterioration of the mill blade and spices.
・The color of the wood may change over time.
・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 with a size of approximately 2-5mm.
・Some shapes may not be able to be ground.
【Maintenance】
If there is a malfunction or damage, blade replacement is available for a fee.
Please contact shop@amenoie.jp if you wish to do so.
