Mokko Yamani
A wooden spice mill that is beautiful just by being there, and blends seamlessly into the landscape of your daily life.
These spice mills are crafted by Mokko Yamani, a workshop run by Shohei and Mirai Uchiyama, a husband and wife team based in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture.
There are two types: "pepper mills" and "salt mills." Not only do they have unique forms, but their feel in hand is exceptional. They are truly exquisite pieces that stand out.
Shohei and Mirai enrolled in the Woodcraft Department of the Kiso Technical College in Nagano Prefecture in the same year.
After graduating, Shohei worked on furniture production at a joinery shop, while Mirai gained experience at upholstery workshops, both engaging in wood-related work.
In 2018, Shohei became independent under the name "Mokko Yamani."
Then, in 2020, Mirai also joined, and their collaborative work as a couple officially began.
Knowing this background, one can deeply appreciate that these are works meticulously crafted by two individuals who have mastered wood.
Their refined beauty, as precise and elegant as an art object, is truly captivating.
Grinding aromas, spinning 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, he says, with the black pepper served in the green onion ramen at a local ramen shop.
From there, through repeated trial and error, over 170 different shapes were born.
The passion poured into these pepper mills is palpable.
The names are also playful and endearing, such as "eggplant" and "sardine," named after familiar objects.
Organic Design
The form is a blend of curves and straight lines, creating a quiet yet somewhat unconstrained depression.
These unique shapes are created using woodworking lathe technology, which is used for furniture parts such as table and chair legs.
I was surprised to learn that they draw inspiration from traditional designs, both Western and Eastern, including the legs of imported Windsor chairs they loved, the legs of low tables, and even Buddhist altarpieces and kokeshi dolls.
I personally use two sizes that are easy for home use, differentiating their use depending on the place and occasion.
The larger type in the photo is tall and can hold a generous amount of spice, 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 turning knob with gold hardware is a "pepper mill," and silver is a "salt mill."
The natural wood grain and the harmonizing classical gold and silver turning knobs subtly add an accent.
Grinding like 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 Japanese-made blades are said to grind spices by "cutting" rather than "crushing" or "mashing," resulting in a fragrant grind and long-lasting sharpness.
The satisfying crunching sound as you grind is also a characteristic feature, making it quite addictive.
Another welcome point is that in case of malfunction or damage, repairs to the wooden parts and replacement of the blades are available for a fee.
I look forward to using it for a long time and watching it become an integral part of my daily life as it ages.
How to use
First, remove the thumb screw and the head to refill the spices.
With the thumb screw loosened, grasp the body and turn the head clockwise to grind.
You can also adjust the coarseness of the grind by adjusting how tight the thumb screw is.
Loosen the screw for a coarser grind, and tighten it for a finer grind.
However, be careful not to turn the head with the screw fully tightened, as this may cause damage.
The supreme 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, which is so compatible that you'll want to make it again and again.
Pepper carries a natural scent, reminiscent of the warmth of earth and tree bark.
I'm completely hooked on pepper, which acts like a "flavor switch," thanks to this experience.
As the mill glides comfortably in my hand, the aroma of spices wafts up with each grind of pepper, filling the dining table with excitement.
By placing it not only in the kitchen but also on the dining table, it serves as an interior accent that brings the warmth of wood into the home.
Please try Mokko Yamani's spice mills, which shine with a love for pepper and the skill and sensibility unique to handcrafted items.
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Maker: Mokko Yamani / Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture
Materials
Body: Elm (iron roasted) (oil finish)
Screw: Brass
Blade: Iron
Size: Approximately Φ55 ×H160 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 tightly wrung cloth moistened with water.
・If the wood surface becomes 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 time, 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 peppercorns.
・Please use well-dried, oil-free pepper with a grain size of approximately 2-5mm.
・It may not be able to grind depending on the shape.
【Maintenance】
In case of malfunction or damage, blade replacement is available for a fee.
Please contact shop@amenoie.jp if you wish.
