METAL210 Mokume-gane
June 2–6, 2008

Mokume Gane is a Japanese technique of fusing together nonferrous metals into thin layers, a process originally developed by swordsmiths in the 1700s. In this workshop, participants fuse billets of copper with alternating layers of fine silver, forging them down to less than 1/8148 thick. Cutting into the created layers exposes the characteristic wood grain pattern for which this technique is named. Students explore the use of this patterned material by designing and creating a piece of contemporary jewelry. Lab fee includes the cost of copper and silver for half a billet (10 layers of 16 gauge silver and 11 layers of copper), steel torque plates, nuts, bolts, and a few miscellaneous supplies. A materials list will be provided at registration.