Mokkou Yamani
A wooden spice mill that is beautiful just by being there, blending seamlessly into the everyday landscape.
These spice mills are crafted by "Mokkou Yamani," a workshop run by Shohei and Mirai Uchiyama, a husband-and-wife team based in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture.
Available in two types, "pepper mill" and "salt mill," they boast a unique form and an exceptional feel when held. They are truly exquisite pieces that stand out.
Shohei and Mirai both enrolled in the Woodcraft and Design course at the Agematsu Technical College in Nagano Prefecture in the same year.
After graduating, Shohei worked in furniture making at a joinery shop, while Mirai gained experience in upholstery workshops, both engaging in wood-related work.
In 2018, Shohei established "Mokkou Yamani" as his independent brand.
Then, in 2020, Mirai joined him, and their joint activities as a couple officially began.
Knowing this background, one can deeply understand that these are works meticulously crafted by two people who are thoroughly familiar with wood.
Their refined beauty and precise appearance, almost like an objet d'art, are truly captivating.
Grinding Fragrance, Weaving Forms
Shohei started making pepper mills out of his love for black pepper and his desire to create a tool that could grind it more deliciously himself.
It all began with the black pepper used in the green onion ramen served at a local ramen shop.
Through trial and error, he apparently created over 170 different shapes.
The passion poured into the pepper mills is palpable.
The names, such as "eggplant" and "sardine," are derived from familiar objects, adding a touch of playfulness and charm.
Organic Design
The form features a quiet yet somewhat unrestrained indentation where curves and linear lines intertwine.
Such unique shapes are created using woodworking lathe techniques, which are 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, referencing things like the legs of their favorite overseas Windsor chairs, legs of low tables, and even Buddhist ritual objects and Kokeshi dolls.
I personally use two sizes that are easy for home use, distinguishing between them based on the location and occasion.
The larger type in the photo is tall and can hold plenty of spices, making it very convenient 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 mill with a gold knob is a "pepper mill," and the silver one is a "salt mill."
The natural wood grain and the harmonizing classical gold and silver knob screws subtly add an accent.
Grinding as if Cutting
Driven by the desire to use domestic products, they utilize blades made by "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," resulting in a fragrant grind and long-lasting sharpness.
The pleasant crunching sound and feel of the grind are also distinctive and can become quite addictive.
Another welcome point is that they offer paid repair services for wooden parts and blade replacements in case of malfunction or damage.
I look forward to cherishing 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 thumb screw and the top part to replenish the spices.
With the thumb screw loosened, grasp the body and turn the top part clockwise to grind.
You can also adjust the grind size by adjusting the tightness of the thumb screw.
For a coarse grind, loosen the screw; for a fine grind, tighten it slightly.
However, be very careful not to turn the top part with the screw fully tightened, as this 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 especially for classic Carbonara, it's an unbeatable match that makes you want to repeat it again and again.
Pepper carries a natural scent, reminiscent of the warmth of earth or tree bark.
I feel like I'm completely hooked on pepper, which acts like a "flavor switch," thanks to this experience.
With the pleasant feel of the mill gliding in my hand, the aroma of spices wafts up each time the pepper is ground, filling the dining table with a sense of excitement.
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 pick up a spice mill from "Mokkou Yamani," which shines with love for pepper and the skill and sensibility unique to handcrafted items.
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Maker: Mokkou Yamani / Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture
Materials
Body: Zelkova (iron roasted) (oil finish)
Screw: Brass
Blade: Iron
Size: Approximately Φ70 x H130 mm
Microwave: ×
Dishwasher: ×
Oven: ×
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[About the product]
Since 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 with water.
・If the wood surface feels dry, apply beeswax wax or edible oil (such as olive oil, linseed oil, or perilla oil) and wipe thoroughly.
・If not used for a long period, remove the contents and store to prevent deterioration of the mill blades and spices.
・The color of the wood may change over time.
・Only black pepper and white pepper can be used.
・Please refrain from using salt or pink pepper.
・Please use well-dried, oil-free pepper with a grain size of approximately 2-5mm.
・Some shapes may not be able to be ground.
[Maintenance]
In case of malfunction or damage, blade replacement is available for a fee.
If you wish to do so, please contact shop@amenoie.jp.
