Mokkou 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 Mokkou Yamani, a workshop run by husband and wife Shohei and Mirai Uchiyama, based in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture.
Available in "pepper mill" and "salt mill" types, their unique forms offer an exceptional feel when held. They are truly exquisite pieces that stand out.
Shohei and Mirai both enrolled in the Woodcraft 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 became independent under the name "Mokkou Yamani."
Then, in 2020, Mirai joined him, and their joint work as a couple began in earnest.
Knowing this background, one deeply understands that these are meticulously crafted pieces, born from two individuals who are thoroughly knowledgeable about wood.
Their precise and refined beauty, like that of an art object, is captivating.
Grinding Fragrance, Weaving Forms
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 derived from familiar objects, adding a playful and endearing touch.
Organic Design
The forms, which interweave curves and linear lines, possess a quiet yet somewhat uninhibited concavity.
These distinctive shapes are said to be created using woodworking lathe technology, typically used for furniture components like 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 Windsor chairs made overseas that they admired, legs of low tables, and even Buddhist altars and Kokeshi dolls.
I personally use two sizes that are easy for home use, differentiating 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 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 harmonizing classical gold and silver knob screws add a subtle accent.
Grinding as if cutting
Driven by a desire to use domestically produced goods, they use 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," which allows for a more fragrant grind and longer-lasting sharpness.
The satisfying crunching sound and feel of the grind are also a characteristic, making it quite addictive.
It's also a welcome point 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 use it.
How to use
First, remove the knob screw and the top part to refill the spices.
With the knob screw loosened, grip the body and turn the top part clockwise to grind.
You can adjust the fineness 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 part with the screw fully tightened, as this may cause damage.
Elevating flavors with pepper for a blissful taste
Pepper is perfect not only for meat and fish dishes but also for finishing salads and pasta, and classic carbonara, in particular, is so perfectly paired with pepper that you'll want to make it again and again.
Pepper carries a natural essence, reminiscent of the warmth of earth and tree bark.
I feel like 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, each time the pepper is ground, the aroma of spices wafts up, bringing a sense of excitement to 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 take the "Mokkou Yamani" spice mill into your hands and experience the love for pepper and the shining craftsmanship and artistry that define it.
