Mokkou Yamani
A wooden spice mill that is beautiful simply by existing and blends seamlessly into the everyday landscape.
These spice mills are crafted 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 in addition to their unique forms, their feel in the hand is exceptional. They are exquisite pieces that exude a distinct presence.
Shohei and Mirai entered the Woodcraft Department at Agematsu 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 an upholstery workshop, and both have been involved in wood-related work.
In 2018, Shohei became independent under the name "Mokkou Yamani."
And since 2020, Mirai has also joined, and their activities as a married couple have truly begun.
Knowing this background, one can deeply understand that these are works meticulously crafted by two people who are thoroughly familiar with wood.
Their precise and refined beauty, like that of an objet d'art, is so captivating that you can't help but gaze at them.
Grinding Fragrances, 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 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, showing a sense of playfulness and charm.
Organic Design
A form where curves and straight lines intertwine, creating indentations that are quiet yet somehow wild.
These unique shapes are apparently created using woodworking lathe techniques, which are typically used for furniture components like table and chair legs.
I was surprised to hear that they draw inspiration from the designs of their predecessors, both Western and Eastern, including the legs of foreign Windsor chairs they loved, low table legs, as well as Buddhist altar fittings and kokeshi dolls.
I use two sizes that are easy to use at home, and I switch between them depending on the place and situation.
The larger size in the photo is tall and can hold a lot of spices, making it very convenient for daily use in the kitchen.
On the other hand, the smaller size is compact and perfect for enjoying freshly ground spices at the dining table.
The knob with gold hardware is for the "pepper mill," and the one with silver is for the "salt mill."
The natural wood grain and the harmonizing classical gold and silver knobs add a subtle accent, don't they?
Grinding like cutting
Driven by the desire to use domestically produced goods, they reportedly use blades made by "IKEDA," a manufacturer of spice mills highly regarded by professionals in hotels and restaurants.
These domestic blades are said to grind "like cutting" rather than "crushing" or "mashing," resulting in a highly aromatic grind and long-lasting sharpness.
The satisfying crunching sound and feel of the grind are also a characteristic, making it surprisingly addictive.
Another welcome point is that they offer paid repair services for wooden parts and blade replacement in case of malfunction or damage.
I look forward to using it for a long time and watching it become more familiar to my life as I use it.
How to Use
First, remove the thumb screw and the top part to refill the spices.
With the thumb screw loosened, grip the body and turn the top part clockwise to grind.
You can also adjust the grind size by tightening or loosening the thumb screw.
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 completely tightened, as this could cause a malfunction.
The ultimate flavor enhanced by pepper
Pepper is perfect for finishing meat and fish dishes, as well as salads and pasta, and the classic carbonara, in particular, is so compatible that you'll want to make it again and again.
Pepper has a natural presence, reminiscent of the warmth of earth and tree bark.
I feel like I'm completely hooked on pepper, which acts like a "flavor switch," thanks to this experience.
With the comfortable feel of the mill in your hand, a waft of spice aroma rises 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 try holding a Mokkou Yamani spice mill, which shines with a love for pepper and the skill and sensibility unique to handcrafted items.
