Mokkou Yamani
A wooden spice mill that is beautiful just by existing and effortlessly blends into the scenery of daily life.
This spice mill is handcrafted by "Mokkou Yamani," a workshop run by husband and wife Shohei and Mirai Uchiyama, based in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture.
There are two types, "pepper mill" and "salt mill," which not only have a unique form but also offer an exceptional feel when held. It is an exquisite piece that stands out.
Shohei and Mirai enrolled in the Woodcrafts Department of the Agematsu Technical College in Nagano Prefecture in the same year.
After graduation, Shohei worked in furniture production at a joinery shop, and 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, and their joint activities as a couple officially began.
Knowing this background, one deeply understands that these works, meticulously crafted down to the smallest detail, could only be created by two people who thoroughly understand wood.
Their appearance, as intricate as an objet d'art and brimming with refined beauty, is so captivating that one can't help but gaze at them.
Grinding Fragrance, Weaving Form
Shohei began making pepper mills out of his love for black pepper and his desire to create a tool that could grind it more deliciously himself.
The inspiration for this apparently came from the black pepper served with green onion ramen 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 is characterized by a subtle yet unrestrained indentation where curves and straight lines intertwine.
These distinctive shapes are created using a woodworking lathe, a technique commonly used for furniture such as table and chair legs.
I was surprised to learn that they draw inspiration from both Western and Eastern designs by their predecessors, including the legs of imported Windsor chairs and low tables they admired, as well as Buddhist implements and kokeshi dolls.
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 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 "pepper mill" has a gold-colored knob screw, while the "salt mill" has a silver one.
The natural wood grain and the harmonizing classical gold and silver knob screws gently add an accent.
Grinding by cutting
Driven by the 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 Japanese blades are said to grind by "cutting" rather than "crushing" or "mashing," resulting in a more aromatic grind and long-lasting sharpness.
The satisfying crunching sound and feel are also a characteristic feature, making it quite addictive.
Another welcome point is that they offer paid repair services for the wooden parts and blade replacement in case of malfunction or breakage.
It's something you can cherish for a long time, and I look forward to it becoming more ingrained in my daily life as 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 also adjust the grind size by adjusting the tightness of the knob screw.
For a coarse grind, loosen the screw; for a fine grind, tighten it slightly.
However, be careful not to turn the top with the screw fully tightened, as this could cause damage.
The exquisite taste enhanced by pepper
Pepper is perfect not only for meat and fish dishes but also as a finishing touch for salads and pasta. In particular, the classic carbonara is an excellent match that you'll want to make again and again.
Pepper carries a natural scent, reminiscent of the warmth of earth and tree bark.
Pepper, like a "flavor switch," seems to be something I'm getting completely hooked on because of this.
With the pleasant sensation of the mill gliding in your hand, and each grind of pepper, the aroma of spices gently rises, spreading a sense of excitement over the dining table.
It functions not only in the kitchen but also as an interior accent on the dining table, bringing the warmth of wood into the space.
We invite you to experience the spice mills from "Mokkou Yamani," which shine with a love for pepper and the skill and sensibility unique to handcrafted items.
