Mokkou Yamani
A wooden spice mill that is beautiful just by being there, and seamlessly blends into the landscape of everyday life.
This is a spice mill created by "Mokkou 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 mill" and "salt mill," and not only do they have unique forms, but their feel in hand is also exceptional. They are exquisite items that exude a strong presence.
Shohei and Mirai entered the Woodcraft Department of the Agematsu Technical College in Nagano Prefecture in the same year.
After graduating, Shohei was involved in furniture making at a fittings shop, and Mirai gained experience at chair upholstery workshops, both working in wood-related fields.
In 2018, Shohei became independent under the name "Mokkou Yamani."
Then, from 2020, Mirai also joined, and their collaborative activities as a couple officially began.
Knowing this background, one can deeply appreciate that these works, meticulously crafted, could only be produced by two people who are so knowledgeable about wood.
Their elaborate, finely structured beauty, almost like an art object, is so captivating that you can't help but gaze at it.
Grinding Fragrance, Weaving Forms
Shohei started making pepper mills because he loved black pepper and wanted to create a tool that could grind it more deliciously himself.
It all began with the black pepper served on the green onion ramen at a local ramen shop.
Through trial and error, over 170 different shapes were born.
The passion poured into the pepper mills is palpable.
The names, such as "eggplant" and "sardine," are derived from familiar objects, showcasing a playful and charming spirit.
Organic Design
The form is characterized by entwined curves and linear lines, with an indentation that feels quietly dynamic yet somewhat uninhibited.
These unique forms are created using a wood 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 predecessors, both Western and Eastern, including the legs of imported Windsor chairs they loved, low table legs, Buddhist altars, and kokeshi dolls.
I use two sizes that are easy for home use, choosing between them 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 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 classical gold and silver adjusting screws that harmonize with it add a subtle accent.
Grinding as if Cutting
Driven by a desire to use domestic products, they use blades made by "IKEDA," a company that manufactures spice mills highly regarded by professionals in hotels and restaurants.
These Japanese blades are said to grind by "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.
Another welcome point 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 seeing it become more integrated into my daily life as I use it more and more.
How to Use
First, remove the adjusting screw and the top part to refill the spices.
Hold the main body with the adjusting screw loosened, and turn the top part clockwise to grind.
You can also adjust the coarseness of the grind by tightening or loosening the adjusting screw.
Loosen the screw for a coarser grind, and tighten it for a finer grind.
However, be very careful not to turn the top part when the screw is fully tightened, as this may cause a malfunction.
The Supreme Flavor 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 so compatible that you'll want to have it again and again.
Pepper has 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 smoothly in my hand, the aroma of spices wafts up each time the pepper is ground, spreading a sense of excitement at the dining table.
By placing it not only in the kitchen but also on the dining table, it also serves as an interior accent that allows you to feel the warmth of wood.
Please do pick up a spice mill from "Mokkou Yamani," which shines with a love for pepper and the skill and sensibility unique to handcrafted items.
