Mokkou Yamani
A wooden spice mill that is beautiful just by being there, and seamlessly blends into the landscape of everyday life.
This spice mill was created by "Mokkou Yamani," a workshop run by Shohei and Mirai Uchiyama, a husband and wife duo based in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture.
There are two types: a "pepper mill" and a "salt mill," and not only do they have a unique form, but they also offer exceptional comfort when held. This is a masterpiece that truly stands out.
Shohei and Mirai enrolled in the Woodcraft Department of 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 chair upholstery workshops, and both pursued careers related to wood.
In 2018, Shohei became independent under the name "Mokkou Yamani."
From 2020, Mirai also joined, and their joint activities as a couple officially began.
Knowing this background, one can deeply appreciate that these works, with their meticulous attention to detail, could only be created by two people who are intimately familiar with wood.
Their exquisite and dignified appearance, as if they were objects of art, is so captivating that one can't help but gaze at them.
Grinding aromas, spinning shapes
Shohei started making pepper mills because he loved black pepper and wanted to create a tool that would allow him to grind it more deliciously himself.
It all started 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 these pepper mills is palpable.
The names, such as "eggplant" and "sardine," are derived from familiar objects, which adds a playful and charming touch.
Organic Design
The form is a silent yet somewhat unrestrained creation, with curves and linear lines intertwined, and hollows that evoke a sense of freedom.
These unique forms are said to be created using a woodworking lathe, a technique used for furniture such as table and chair legs.
I was surprised to hear that they referenced designs by their predecessors, both Western and Eastern, including the legs of imported Windsor chairs they loved, the legs of low tables, and even Buddhist ritual tools and kokeshi dolls.
I personally use two sizes that are easy to use at home, and I switch between them depending on the location and situation.
The larger type in the photo is tall and can hold a lot 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 gold knob is for the "pepper mill," and the silver is for the "salt mill."
The natural wood grain and the harmonizing classical gold and silver knobs add a subtle accent.
Grinding as if cutting
Driven by a desire to use domestic products, they reportedly use blades manufactured by "IKEDA," a company known for producing spice mills highly regarded by professionals in hotels and restaurants.
These Japanese blades can grind spices by "cutting" rather than "crushing" or "mashing," resulting in a fragrant grind and long-lasting sharpness.
The satisfying crunching sound and feel are also a characteristic, making it almost addictive.
Another welcome feature is that they offer paid repairs for wooden parts and blade replacements in case of malfunctions or breakage.
I look forward to using it for a long time and watching it become more and more integrated into my daily life with use.
How to use
First, remove the knob and the top part to refill the spices.
With the knob loosened, grasp the body and turn the top part clockwise to grind.
You can also adjust the grind size by tightening or loosening the knob.
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.
The exquisite taste enhanced by pepper
Pepper is perfect not only for meat and fish dishes, but also for finishing salads and pasta. In particular, classic carbonara is so perfectly paired that you'll want to make it again and again.
Pepper carries a natural essence, reminiscent of the warmth of earth or tree bark.
I'm completely hooked on pepper, which acts like a "flavor switch," and this has become the impetus.
As the mill glides comfortably in your hand, the aroma of spices wafts up with each grind, filling the dining table with excitement.
By placing it not just in the kitchen but also on the dining table, it serves as a piece of interior decor that brings the warmth of wood into your home.
Please try holding a Mokkou Yamani spice mill, which shines with a love for pepper and the skills and sensibility unique to craftsmanship.
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Maker: Mokkou Yamani / Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture
Materials
Body: Ash (oil finish)
Screw: Brass
Blade: Iron
Size: Approximately Φ65 × H160 mm
Microwave: ×
Dishwasher: ×
Oven: ×
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[About the product]
As each item is handmade from 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.
・Do not wash with water. If it gets dirty, wipe it with a cloth tightly wrung out with water.
・If the wood surface becomes dry, apply beeswax wax or edible oil (olive oil, linseed oil, perilla oil, etc.) and wipe it off 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.
・Do not use salt or pink pepper.
・Please use well-dried, oil-free pepper with a grain size of approximately 2-5mm.
・Some shapes may not be grindable.
[Care]
If there is any malfunction or damage, the blade can be replaced for a fee.
Please contact shop@amenoie.jp if you wish to do so.
