Mokkou Yamani
A wooden spice mill that is beautiful just by being there, and blends seamlessly into the landscape of everyday life.
These spice mills are crafted 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," and not only do they have a unique form, but they also offer exceptional ease of use. They are truly exquisite pieces that stand out.
Shohei and Mirai both enrolled in the woodcrafting 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 an upholstery workshop, and they both pursued careers related to wood.
In 2018, Shohei established "Mokkou Yamani" under his own name.
Then, in 2020, Mirai joined, and their collaborative work as a couple officially began.
Knowing this background, one can deeply understand that these are meticulously crafted pieces that only two people with such profound knowledge of wood could create.
Their exquisite and dignified appearance, almost like an art object, 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 all started with the black pepper used in the green onion ramen served at a local ramen shop.
Through repeated trial and error, over 170 different shapes were born.
The passion poured into the pepper mills is palpable.
The names, such as "Nasu" (eggplant) and "Iwashi" (sardine), are inspired by familiar objects, adding a playful and charming touch.
Organic Design
A form where curves and linear lines intertwine, creating indentations that are quiet yet somehow uninhibited.
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 learn that they draw inspiration from the designs of their predecessors, both Western and Eastern, including the legs of imported Windsor chairs they loved, the legs of low tables, Buddhist altars, and kokeshi dolls.
I personally use two sizes that are easy to use at home, and I switch 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 kitchen use.
On the other hand, the smaller type is compact and perfect for enjoying freshly ground spices at the dining table.
The adjusting screw with gold hardware is for the "pepper mill," and silver is for the "salt mill."
The natural wood grain and the harmonizing classical gold and silver adjusting screws subtly add an accent.
Grinding as if cutting
Driven by a desire to use domestic products, they reportedly use blades made by "IKEDA," a company that manufactures spice mills highly regarded by professionals in hotels and restaurants.
It's said that these Japanese blades can grind "as if cutting" rather than "crushing" or "mashing," resulting in a fragrant grind and long-lasting sharpness.
The satisfying crunching sound and feel of grinding are also a distinctive feature, and it's easy to get addicted to it.
It's also a great advantage that they offer paid repair services for the wooden parts and blade replacement in case of malfunction or damage.
I look forward to using it for a long time and seeing it become an even more integral part of my daily life as I continue to use it.
How to Use
First, remove the adjusting screw and top part to refill the spices.
Hold the body with the adjusting screw loosened and turn the top part clockwise to grind.
You can also adjust the coarseness by adjusting how tightly the adjusting screw is fastened.
Loosen the screw for a coarse grind, and tighten it for a fine grind.
However, be careful not to turn the top part with the screw fully tightened, as this may cause damage.
Elevating the Flavor with Pepper, a Blissful Taste
Pepper is perfect not only for meat and fish dishes but also as a finishing touch for salads and pasta. Classic carbonara, in particular, is so compatible that you'll want to repeat it again and again.
Pepper has an earthy warmth and a hint of tree bark, reminiscent of nature.
I'm completely hooked on pepper, which acts like a "flavor switch," thanks to this experience.
As the mill glides comfortably in your hand, the aroma of spices wafts up with each grind of pepper, filling the dining table with exhilaration.
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 "Mokkou Yamani" spice mill, which shines with a love for pepper and the skill and sensibility unique to handmade craftsmanship.
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Maker: Mokkou Yamani / Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture
Materials
Body: Walnut (oil finish)
Screw: Brass
Blade: Stainless steel
Size: Approximately Φ58 × H130 mm
Microwave: ×
Dishwasher: ×
Oven: ×
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【About the product】
Since it is made by hand using natural materials, there may be individual differences in shape, color, and size.
【Precautions for use】
・Store away from direct sunlight, high temperatures, and humidity.
・Do not wash with water. If it gets dirty, wipe it with a cloth dampened with water and wrung out tightly.
・If the wood surface becomes dry, apply beeswax wax or edible oil (olive oil, flaxseed oil, perilla oil, etc.) and wipe it off thoroughly.
・If not used for a long time, remove the contents and store it to prevent deterioration of the mill's blade and spices.
・The color of the wood may change over time due to aging.
・Only rock salt (refined) and pink rock salt can be used.
*Pink rock salt may discolor the blade.
・Use well-dried rock salt with a size of approximately 2-5mm.
・Some shapes may not be grindable.
【About maintenance】
In case of malfunction or damage, blade replacement is available for a fee.
If you wish, please contact shop@amenoie.jp.
