Mokkou Yamani
A wooden spice mill that is beautiful just by existing and effortlessly blends into the scenery of daily life.
These spice mills are crafted by Mokkou Yamani, the workshop of 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 the hand is also exceptional. They are exquisite items that exude a distinct presence.
Shohei and Mirai both entered the Woodcraft Design Department at the Kiso Valley Technical School in Nagano Prefecture in the same year.
After graduating, Shohei worked in furniture making at a joinery shop, while Mirai gained experience at an upholstery workshop, both working in wood-related fields.
In 2018, Shohei started his own business under the name "Mokkou Yamani."
Then, from 2020, Mirai also joined, and their collaborative work as a couple officially began.
Knowing this background, one deeply understands that these are meticulously crafted pieces, created by two individuals who have mastered wood.
Their precise, refined beauty, like an art object, is so captivating that you can't help but gaze at it.
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.
From there, through repeated 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 also named after familiar objects, adding a touch of playfulness and charm.
Organic Design
The design, where curves and straight lines intertwine, possesses a quiet yet somewhat unconstrained form with subtle indentations.
These unique forms are created using techniques employed in furniture, such as the legs of tables and chairs, utilizing a woodworking lathe.
I was surprised to learn that they drew inspiration from various designs by their predecessors, both Western and Eastern, including the legs of imported Windsor chairs they loved, the legs of low tables, Buddhist altarpieces, and kokeshi dolls.
I personally use two sizes that are convenient for home use, distinguishing between them depending on the place and occasion.
The larger type in the photo is tall and can hold plenty of spices, 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 knob 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 knob screws subtly add an accent.
Grinding as if Cutting
To use domestically produced parts, they reportedly use blades made by "IKEDA," a manufacturer of spice mills highly regarded by professionals in hotels and restaurants.
Instead of "crushing" or "mashing," these Japanese blades "cut" the spices, resulting in a more fragrant grind and longer-lasting sharpness.
The satisfying crunching sound and feel of the grind are also distinctive and can become quite addictive.
Another welcome point is that they offer paid repair services for wooden parts and blade replacements in case of malfunction or damage.
I look forward to cherishing it for a long time and watching it become more familiar with my daily life the more I use it.
How to Use
First, remove the knob screw and the top part to replenish the spices.
While holding the body with the knob screw loosened, turn the top part clockwise to grind.
You can adjust the fineness of the grind by adjusting how tightly the knob screw is fastened.
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 may cause damage.
The Blissful Taste Enhanced by Pepper
Pepper is perfect not only for meat and fish dishes but also for finishing salads and pasta. In particular, classic carbonara is an excellent match that makes you want to repeat it many times.
Pepper carries a natural scent, somehow reminiscent of the warmth of earth or tree bark.
I'm completely hooked on pepper, which acts like a "flavor switch," all thanks to this experience.
With the pleasant 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, adding the warmth of wood.
Please try the Mokkou Yamani spice mill, which shines with a love for pepper and the skill and sensibility unique to handcrafted items.
