Mokumé Gane

Mokumé Gane is a Japanese metalworking technique, producing a wood grain effect through the layering and manipulation of various colored metals.

Part of speech: noun
Definition: Mokumé Gane, a traditional Japanese metalworking craft, dates back to the 17th century and was initially used to adorn samurai swords. This technique involves the fusion of several layers of different colored metals, such as gold, silver, and copper, under intense heat and pressure. Once fused, the metal billet is manipulated through various means like twisting, carving, and forging to reveal intricate patterns that resemble wood grain. Mokumé Gane is celebrated for its unique aesthetic and artistic flexibility, allowing craftsmen to create one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces and decorative objects. The detailed and labor-intensive process of Mokumé Gane results in highly valued and sought-after pieces, showcasing the ability of metal to mimic natural textures.