Pepper Pestle is a minimalist pepper mill created by Tokyo-based designer Nendo for Valerie Objects. Pepper mills are typically formatted so dried peppercorns are inserted through the top, and then ground with internal blades by either a rotating mechanism or using the power of the lever. However, to enable a finer grinding and to bring out the aromatic qualities, the simple method of a Mortar and pestle was utilized. This device, that was used since ancient times by pharmacists, scientists, and chefs all over the world, was more suited to the project than the typical approach. The object consists of a round glass container filled with pepper that sits on top of a base made from the same material. When used, the dried peppercorns are poured out of the container to the top of the base. The bottom of the container is then used as a “pestle” and its base is used as the “mortar” in order to ground the pepper manually. The container, with its slightly indented central section, is easy to grip, and has a bottom that is thicker than the rest of the body, improving its strength. The ridges on the top surface of the base and underside of the container are a result of rigorous testing to make for an easy pepper grinding.
