Historical Background

Mokume-Gane is a type of Japanese Metalworking originating from the Edo Period (early 17th century). As the Katana, a once important weapon of Samurai, became more ornamental and less practical, people began forging more artisanal and ornate Katanas. One such metalworker, Denbei Shoami, invented the Mokume-Gane process, in which various types of metals (typically silver, gold, and copper) are layered to form a “billet”, which emerges from a wood grain style pattern. A common historical use for this technique was in making the Tsuba, or part of the handguard of the Katana. 

Eventually, with the beginning of the Meiji Restoration, the public display of Katanas was outlawed, and the art of Mokume-gane entered a great decline, almost reaching extinction. Thankfully, in the 1970’s, Hiroko Sato Pijinowski, after learning the craft from Norio Tamagawa, brought the technique back into the public eye, as well as bringing the technique abroad to their home of the United States.

Characteristics

Mokume-gane technique in the modern day is used for making jewelry like rings or necklaces, as well as other objects like flatware or spinning tops. Additionally, modern technology has allowed the technique to evolve and expand to other types of materials such as Titanium, platinum, iron, bronze, brass, and nickel.  

The modern technique uses a process of solid-state bonding through a temperature-controlled furnace.

To know more!

Current Activities

Recently, to promote Mokume-gane skills to next generations, MOKUME-GANE Japan was selected as Tokyo’s Edo Tokyo Kirari Project which promotes Japanese traditional arts to the world. 

Yoshiko Sakamoto

She is a disciple of Mr.Chigai. She creates art crafts and accessories rooted in daily life. She has a website and online shop. You can purchase contemporary Mokume-Gane art crafts.

Where to purchase

• Online

  • Mokumegane-Japan.com

• Offline

    Akita Meihinkan at the Namakaichi Akita city https://akita-nakaichi.com/a43/meihinkan.html

• • Many stores available in Tokyo

  • C.K. Artech (Chigai Hiroshi’s gallery)