Mokko Yamani
These wooden spice mills are beautiful simply by existing, seamlessly blending into the everyday landscape of your home.
These spice mills are crafted by Mokko 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," their unique forms and exceptional feel in hand make them truly stand out. They are masterpieces that command attention.
Shohei and Mirai both enrolled in the Woodcrafts Department at the Agematsu Technical College in Nagano Prefecture in the same year.
After graduating, Shohei worked on furniture production at a joinery shop, while Mirai gained experience in upholstery workshops, both engaging in wood-related work.
In 2018, Shohei became independent under the name "Mokko 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 created by two individuals who thoroughly understand wood.
Their refined beauty and precise, object-like appearance are so captivating that you can't help but gaze at them.
Grinding aromas, weaving forms
Shohei started making pepper mills because he loved black pepper and wanted to create a tool that would allow him to grind it himself for a better taste.
Apparently, it all began with the black pepper used in the green onion ramen served at a local ramen shop.
Through trial and error, over 170 different shapes were born.
The passion poured into these pepper mills is palpable.
The names, such as "eggplant" and "sardine," are derived from familiar objects, adding a playful and charming touch.
Organic Design
The form, with its intertwining curves and straight lines, creates a quiet yet somewhat uninhibited impression with its subtle indentations.
These distinctive shapes are said to be created using a wood lathe, a technique used for furniture such as table and chair legs.
I was surprised to learn that they draw inspiration from the designs of their predecessors, both Western and Eastern, including the legs of imported Windsor chairs they loved, Japanese low tables, Buddhist altar fittings, and kokeshi dolls.
I personally use two convenient sizes at home, switching between them depending on the location and situation.
The larger size in the photo is tall and can hold plenty of spices, making it very convenient for daily use in the kitchen.
The smaller size, on the other hand, is compact and perfect for enjoying freshly ground spices at the dining table.
The models with a gold adjusting screw are "pepper mills," and those with a silver screw are "salt mills."
The natural wood grain and the harmonizing classical gold or silver adjusting screws subtly add accent.
Grinding like cutting
Driven by a desire to use domestic products, they reportedly use blades manufactured by "IKEDA," a company highly regarded by professionals in hotels and restaurants for their spice mills.
These domestic blades are said to grind spices by "cutting" rather than "crushing" or "mashing," which enhances their aroma and ensures a long-lasting sharpness.
The satisfying crunching sound and feel of grinding are also characteristic, and one might easily become addicted to it.
Another great point is that they offer paid repair services for wooden parts and blade replacement in case of malfunction or damage.
I look forward to using it for a long time and watching it become an integral part of my daily life as I continue to 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 coarseness by tightening or loosening the adjusting screw.
Loosen the screw for a coarser grind, and tighten it for a finer grind.
However, be very careful not to turn the top part with the screw fully tightened, as this may cause damage.
The exquisite taste enhanced by pepper
Pepper is perfect for finishing not only meat and fish dishes but also salads and pasta; in particular, classic carbonara is so well-suited that you'll want to make it again and again.
Pepper carries a natural scent, somehow reminiscent of the warmth of earth or tree bark.
I'm completely hooked on pepper, which acts like a "flavor switch," thanks to this experience.
With the pleasant sensation of the mill gliding in my hand, the aroma of spices wafts up each time the pepper is ground, bringing an elevated feeling to the dining table.
It also serves as a charming interior accent, bringing the warmth of wood not only to the kitchen but also to the dining table.
We invite you to experience the spice mills from Mokko Yamani, which shine with their love for pepper and the skill and sensibility unique to handcrafted items.
