Mokko Yamani
A wooden spice mill that is beautiful just by being there, and seamlessly blends into the landscape of your daily life.
These spice mills are crafted by "Mokko 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 they also offer exceptional usability when held. They are truly exquisite pieces that stand out.
Shohei and Mirai enrolled in the same year in the Woodworking and Design Department at the Agematsu Technical College in Nagano Prefecture.
After graduation, Shohei was involved in furniture production at a joinery shop, and Mirai gained experience at an upholstery workshop, both working in wood-related fields.
In 2018, Shohei established "Mokko Yamani" under his own name.
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 meticulously crafted works, created by two people who thoroughly understand wood.
Their precise and refined beauty, like an objet d'art, 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 with the black pepper used in the green onion ramen served at a local ramen shop.
Through trial and error, he apparently created over 170 different shapes.
The passion poured into the pepper mill 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 a quiet yet somehow uninhibited indentation where curves and straight lines intertwine.
These unique shapes are apparently created using woodworking lathe technology, which is 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 imported Windsor chairs they loved, legs of Japanese low tables, and even Buddhist altarpieces and kokeshi dolls.
I use two household-friendly sizes, switching between them depending on the place and situation.
The larger type in the photo is tall and can hold plenty of spices, 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 models with gold thumb screws are "pepper mills," and those with silver are "salt mills."
The natural wood grain and the harmonizing classical gold or silver thumb screws provide a subtle accent.
Grinding as if cutting
Driven by a desire to use domestic products, they reportedly use blades manufactured by "IKEDA," a company known for producing 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 "grinding" sound and feel are also characteristic, and it's easy to get addicted to it.
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 an integral part of my life as I use it more and more.
How to Use
First, remove the thumb screw and the top part to replenish the spices.
With the thumb screw loosened, grasp 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 careful not to turn the top part with the screw fully tightened, as this may cause damage.
The ultimate flavor enhanced by pepper
Pepper is perfect for not only meat and fish dishes but also for finishing salads and pasta, and classic carbonara, in particular, is so compatible that you'll want to repeat it again and again.
Pepper carries a natural essence, somewhat reminiscent of the warmth of earth or tree bark.
I'm completely captivated by pepper, which acts like a "flavor switch," and this has become the catalyst.
As the mill glides comfortably in my hand, the aroma of spices wafts up with each grind of pepper, creating a sense of exhilaration at the dining table.
It functions not only in the kitchen but also on the dining table as an interior piece, providing the warmth of wood.
I encourage everyone to try out Mokko Yamani's spice mills, which shine with a love for pepper and the skill and sensibility unique to handcrafted items.
