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Mokume Gane (Mo-KOO-may GAH-nay) literally translated
to 'eye of the wood grain metal' is an old Japanese technique of fusing several alternating layers of metal together. By
then forging, carving and rolling out the billet it exposes the layers of the metals and creates the patterning.
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| photo T. Bogue |
Mokume Gane didn't make it's way to the United States until very late in the 19th Century but in very
crude form. It wasn't until the 1970's that it was successfully master and used in jewelry.
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| Mokume Billet |
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Mokume Gane was developed over 300 years ago and has used alloys of
almost every metal combination. From the 18th-19th centuries it was used in the making of samurai swords and sword guards.
By the end of the 19th century it was being used in decorative metal work such as bowls, sake cups and vases.
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| Mokume Mozaic Necklace |
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| Photo by G. Post |
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