The Application of Modern Metallurgical Principles And Knowledge to the Manufacture of Mokume Gane (Wood-Grain Metal) Decorative Alloy

摘要

Mokume Gane layered metal is a 300-year old decorative metal laminate technique peculiar to the isolated culture of the Japanese Shogunate. Like many complex craft practices handed down through individual experience, the manufacture and development of Mokume Gane has changed minimally over time. The application of contemporary metallurgical knowledge and solid state bonding techniques such as Hot Press Diffusion Bonding and Hot Roll Bonding provide for further development of Mokume Gane: bonding success rates are improved, and manufacturing times are reduced. In addition, the range of possible metal combinations is substantially increased; 42 different combinations to date have been successfully bonded, including a new type of Mokume Gane employing aluminium alloys. This research has allowed a very large increase in the variety of colours, patterns, and visual effects, available to contemporary metalsmiths and jewellers.