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The Mokume Gane technique was
developed in 17th century Japan, following the example of the layered
metal technique found in the "katana" Samurai's
sword. The technique allows the forging of metal that looks
actually like wood. The literal meaning of Mokume Gane is "Metal that looks
like knots in wood"
The production of Mokume is a long process that requires concentration
and exactness. The example that appears in the photograph is the fusion
of silver and copper metals. One has to perfectly wash and polish the
metal plaques in order to prevent gaps and oxidization in the heating
process.
The metal plaques are pressed together between two thick steel plates
and then the entire apparatus is put into a high temperature furnace.
Due the fact that the metals that are placed under extreme pressure,
they heat up and eventually merge. This process is known as diffusion.
This requires great concentration on the part of the artist because the
most effective way to identify the moment of fusion, is by
observing the shades of red and orange produced by the molded hot
metal. The premature arrest of the process will prevent the merging of
the metals where as the stopping the process too late will cause the
melting of the metals, and therefore the destruction of the Mokume.
After the billet of the Mokume is ready, the process of the creation of
the textures begins. Creating indentations in the metal and rolling it
out creates the effect of knots and wood grain. We must continually
re-enact this process, until we receive the desired texture. The use of
different metals obviously creates different shades. The most common
metals used in traditional Mokume are silver, copper, Shakudu (a
combination of gold and copper), and Washiboishi, (a combination of
silver and copper).
The use of The Mokume allows
me as an artist to master the production of the material itself, and
not just the usual process of working with prepared metals as in
ordinary silver and gold crafting.
Each Mokume jewel is my own exclusive and unique creation that is
entirely hand made by me. The process of creating the Mokume entails "intention" a
kabbalistic concept that means the concentration of consciousness. It
also entails "Samadhi",
term from Yogic philosophy, meaning the ability to change and create
objects on the physical plane by focusing our awareness.
The
Mokume rings are widely used as wedding rings, because of the symbolism
reflected in the unification of the different metals, expressed in the
merging of the two metals into one integrated texture that is simply
breathtaking in its harmonious beauty.
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