Mokkou 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 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 mills" and "salt mills," and not only do they have unique forms, but their feel in the hand is also exceptional. They are true masterpieces that exude a strong presence.
Shohei and Mirai Uchiyama both enrolled in the Woodcraft Course at 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 chair upholstery workshops, both engaging in work related to wood.
In 2018, Shohei became independent under the name "Mokkou Yamani."
Then, in 2020, Mirai also joined, and their collaborative work as a couple officially began.
Knowing this background, one can deeply understand that these are works meticulously crafted by two people who are thoroughly knowledgeable about wood.
Their appearance, as elaborate as an objet d'art and brimming with refined beauty, is so captivating that you can't help but gaze at them.
Grinding Fragrance, Weaving Form
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, he says, with the black pepper served in the green onion ramen at a local ramen shop.
From there, through repeated trial and error, he apparently created over 170 different shapes.
The passion poured into the pepper mills is palpable.
The names, such as "eggplant" and "sardine," are inspired by familiar objects, adding a touch of playfulness and charm.
Organic Design
A form where curves and straight lines intertwine, creating a quiet yet somewhat uninhibited concave shape.
These unique forms are 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 and low tables they admired, as well as Buddhist altarpieces and kokeshi dolls.
I personally use two convenient sizes for home use, switching between them depending on the location and situation.
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.
Those with a gold knob are "pepper mills," and those with silver are "salt mills."
The natural wood grain and the harmonizing classical gold and silver knobs add a subtle accent, don't they?
Grinding as if Cutting
Driven by a desire to use domestically produced goods, they 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-made blades allow for grinding as if "cutting," which preserves the aroma and maintains sharpness for a long time.
The satisfying crunching sound and feel are also a characteristic, making it quite addictive.
Another great 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 an integral part of my life as I use it more and more.
How to Use
First, remove the knob screw and the head to refill the spices.
With the knob screw loosened, grip the body and turn the head clockwise to grind.
You can also adjust the grind size by adjusting how tightly the knob screw is fastened.
For a coarser grind, loosen the screw; for a finer grind, tighten the screw slightly.
However, be very careful not to turn the head with the screw fully tightened, as this could cause damage.
Elevate Your Dining Experience with Pepper
Pepper is perfect not only for meat and fish dishes but also for finishing salads and pasta. Classic carbonara, in particular, is so compatible with it that you'll want to make it again and again.
Pepper carries a natural essence, reminiscent of the warmth of earth or tree bark.
I feel like I'm completely hooked on pepper, which acts like a "flavor switch," 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, filling the dining table with excitement.
Not only in the kitchen but also on the dining table, it serves as a warm wooden interior accent.
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.
