Mokkou Yamani
A wooden spice mill that is beautiful just by being there, and seamlessly blends into the landscape of everyday life.
These spice mills are crafted by "Mokkou Yamani," the workshop of husband and wife Shohei and Mirai Uchiyama, based in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture.
There are two types, "pepper mill" and "salt mill," and not only do they have unique forms, but their feel in hand is also exceptional. They are true masterpieces that stand out.
Shohei and Mirai entered the Wood Crafting Department of the Agematsu Technical College in Nagano Prefecture in the same year.
After graduation, Shohei worked on furniture production at a joinery shop, and Mirai gained experience at upholstery workshops, both engaging in wood-related work.
In 2018, Shohei became independent under the name "Mokkou Yamani."
Then, in 2020, Mirai also joined, and their joint activities as a couple officially began.
Knowing this background, one can deeply appreciate that these are works of art crafted with meticulous attention to detail, born from two individuals who truly understand wood.
Their refined beauty, like an intricate objet d'art, is so captivating that you can't help but gaze at them.
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 seems that it all started with the black pepper used in the green onion ramen served at a local ramen shop.
From there, through repeated trial and error, over 170 different shapes were born.
The passion poured into the pepper mill is truly palpable.
The names, such as "Nasu" (eggplant) and "Iwashi" (sardine), are derived from familiar objects, which adds a playful and endearing touch.
Organic Design
A form where curves and straight lines intertwine, creating a quiet yet somewhat uninhibited concave shape.
These distinctive forms are apparently created using a woodworking lathe, a technique used for furniture such as table and chair legs.
I was surprised to learn that they drew inspiration from the designs of their predecessors, both Western and Eastern, including the legs of their favorite overseas Windsor chairs, low tables, and even Buddhist ritual objects and kokeshi dolls.
I use two sizes that are easy to use at home, switching between them depending on the place and situation.
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 models with gold adjustment screws are "pepper mills," and those with silver are "salt mills."
The natural wood grain and the harmonizing classical gold and silver adjustment screws subtly add an accent.
Grinding as if Cutting
Driven by a desire to use domestically produced goods, they use blades made by "IKEDA," a manufacturer of spice mills highly regarded by professionals in hotels and restaurants.
The Japanese-made blades are said to grind by "cutting" rather than "crushing" or "mashing," allowing for a fragrant grind and long-lasting sharpness.
The satisfying crunching sound and feel of the grind are also a characteristic, making it quite addictive.
Another welcome point is that they offer paid repairs for the wooden parts and replacement of blades in case of malfunctions or breakage.
I look forward to using it for a long time and watching it become more familiar with my daily life as I 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 body and turn the top clockwise to grind.
You can also adjust the coarseness of the grind by adjusting how tightly the thumb screw is fastened.
For a coarse grind, loosen the screw; for a fine grind, tighten it.
However, care should be taken as turning the top part with the screw fully tightened may cause damage.
The Blissful Taste Enhanced by Pepper
Pepper is perfect not only for meat and fish dishes but also for finishing salads and pasta, and classic carbonara, in particular, pairs so well with it that you'll want to make it again and again.
Pepper carries a natural scent, somehow reminiscent of the warmth of earth and tree bark.
Pepper, acting like a "flavor switch," seems destined to become a firm favorite of mine from now on.
With the pleasant gliding sensation of the mill in hand, the aroma of spices wafts up each time pepper is ground, spreading a sense of excitement across the dining table.
By placing it not only in the kitchen but also on the dining table, it also serves as an interior decoration that brings the warmth of wood.
Please take the "Mokkou Yamani" spice mill, which shines with a love for pepper and the skill and sensibility unique to handcrafted items, into your own hands at least once.
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Craftsman: Mokkou Yamani / Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture
Material
Body: Striped Maple (Iron Roasted) (Oil Finish)
Screw: Brass
Blade: Iron
Size: Approximately Φ70 ×H130 mm
Microwave: ×
Dishwasher: ×
Oven: ×
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【About the product】
As it 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.
・Cannot be washed with water. If it gets dirty, wipe it with a cloth thoroughly wrung out in water.
・If the wood surface feels dry, apply beeswax wax or edible oil (olive oil, linseed oil, perilla oil, etc.) and wipe thoroughly.
・If not used for a long time, remove the contents and store to prevent deterioration of the mill blade and spices.
・The color of the wood may change over time.
・Only black pepper and white pepper can be used.
・Do not use salt or pink pepper.
・Use well-dried pepper with a grain size of approximately 2-5mm and no oil content.
・Some shapes may not be able to be ground.
【Maintenance】
In case of malfunction or breakage, blade replacement is available for a fee.
If you wish, please contact shop@amenoie.jp.
