Mokko Yamani
A wooden spice mill that is beautiful just by being there, and blends seamlessly into the scenery of everyday life.
These spice mills are made by "Mokko 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 are also exceptionally comfortable to hold. They are exquisite pieces that truly stand out.
Shohei and Mirai both entered the Woodcraft Department at 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, and they both pursued careers related to wood.
In 2018, Shohei became independent under the name "Mokko Yamani."
Then, in 2020, Mirai joined, and their joint activities as a couple officially began.
Knowing this background, one can deeply understand why their creations, with their meticulous attention to detail, can only be produced by two people who are so knowledgeable about wood.
Their appearance, as intricate as an objet d'art and possessing a refined beauty, is so captivating that one can't help but gaze at them.
Grinding aromas, weaving forms
Shohei apparently 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 served with 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 derived from familiar objects like "Nasu" (eggplant) and "Iwashi" (sardine), conveying a sense of playfulness and charm.
Organic Design
The form features curves intertwined with linear lines, creating a quiet yet somewhat uninhibited indentation.
These unique shapes are apparently created using a wood lathe, a technique used for furniture such as table and chair legs.
I was surprised to hear that they referenced various ancestral designs, both Western and Eastern, including the legs of Windsor chairs from abroad that they liked, legs of low tables, Buddhist altar fittings, and kokeshi dolls.
I personally use two convenient sizes for home use, switching between them depending on the location 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 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 made by "IKEDA," a company known for manufacturing spice mills highly regarded by professionals in hotels and restaurants.
These domestic blades are said to grind by "cutting" rather than "crushing" or "mashing," which allows for a more fragrant grind and maintains sharpness for a longer time.
The pleasant "jali, jali" grinding sensation is also a distinctive feature, and it's easy to get addicted to it.
Another welcome point is that if a malfunction or breakdown occurs, they can provide paid repairs for the wooden parts and replacement of the blades.
I'm looking forward to using it for a long time and watching it become more and more accustomed to my life as I use it.
How to use
First, remove the knob screw and the top part to replenish the spices.
With the knob screw loosened, hold the body and turn the top part clockwise to grind.
You can adjust the coarseness of the grind by adjusting the tightness of the knob 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 completely tightened, as this may cause damage.
The exquisite taste enhanced by pepper
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 make it again and again.
Pepper carries a natural scent, somewhat reminiscent of the earth's warmth and tree bark.
I'm completely hooked on pepper, which acts like a "flavor switch," all thanks to this experience.
With the pleasant gliding sensation of the mill in 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 also functions as an interior accent that allows you to feel the warmth of wood.
Please pick up a spice mill from "Mokko Yamani," which shines with love for pepper and the skill and sensibility unique to handmade crafts, and experience it for yourself.
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Craftsman: Mokko Yamani / Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture
Material
Body: Zelkova (iron roasted) (oil finish)
Screw: Brass
Blade: Stainless steel
Size: Approx. Φ70 × H160 mm
Microwave: ×
Dishwasher: ×
Oven: ×
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[About the product]
As this product is handmade using natural materials, there may be individual differences in shape, color, and size.
[Precautions for use]
・Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and high humidity.
・Do not wash with water. If it gets dirty, wipe it with a tightly wrung cloth moistened with water.
・If the wood surface becomes rough, apply beeswax wax or edible oil (olive oil, linseed oil, perilla oil, etc.) and wipe it thoroughly.
・If not used for a long period, remove the contents and store it to prevent deterioration of the mill 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 cause discoloration of the blade.
・Please use well-dried rock salt with a size of approximately 2-5 mm.
・Depending on the shape, it may not be possible to grind.
[Care instructions]
In case of malfunction or damage, blade replacement is available for a fee.
If you wish, please contact shop@amenoie.jp.
