Mokume Gane is a metal technique developed in feudal Japan by Japanese metalworkers in the creation of sword mountings and sword guards.

Name:  In Japanese, Mokume means “wood grain or wood burl” and Gane, “metal”; therefore Mokume Gane translates as “wood grain metal”.  The analogy to wood is based on the fact that, in most woods, annual growth rings appear in striated colour bands that give cut lumber an individualistic grain pattern.  These wood patterns take a random linear, spiral or twist like form with flowing, wavy or knotted patterns.  The art of Mokume Gane achieves an effect resembling the beautiful natural quality of wood.

Technique:

1. metals and alloys suited to Mokume laminates include: Platinum, Green-White-Yellow or Rose Gold, Silver, Copper, Brass, Shakudo (alloy of gold and copper), Shibuichi (alloy of silver and copper).
2. various layers of coloured metals (eg. 12-16 sheets) are fused together under high heat and pressure: the greater number of layers, the finer, more intricate the resulting face pattern.
3. one fused, the Mokume laminate is passed through a rolling mill or hand-forged in order to reduce thickness and compress layers.
4. as the piece of jewellery is formed with the laminate, artistic judgments are taken as to the degree of forging, filing, grinding, oxidizing, polishing or sandblasting required for the most effective pattern.

Several years ago Pepe Fernandez, an experienced craftsman of 30 years, began his fascination with the subtle challenge of Mokume Gane.  The intrinsic nature and beauty of the technique presents him an opportunity to enjoy a truly unique expression of metal art.