The basic Mokumé Gané story
Literally translated Mokumé Gané means "Wood grain Metal". It is an ancient Japanese metal working technique developed in the late 1600's. Two or more layers of different metals are boned to each other to form a laminated billet. By working the billet and through forging, patterns are developed in the metal which mimics burl wood grain.
Different coloured metals are used to enhance the visual appearance of the grain pattern. Metals used mostly are silver, gold (yellow, white, green and rose coloured) and platinum. The gold could vary from 9ct to 18ct; depending on what the customer wants or what the designer sees as best for the piece. The metals are selected for their colour mostly.
