Modern materials for Mokume Gane

Mokume Gane is a decorative metalwork originated from Japan in which metal laminates are carved prior to rolling to produce a surface Moire or wood grain pattern. The alloys used are based on Ag-Au-Cu ternary system and so the range of colors available is limited to a spectrum of grey-yellow-red. A collaborative research programme is initiated between the Royal College of Art and the Department of Materials, University of Oxford to study new Mokume Gane laminates which would extend the color combinations available to silversmith. This allowed the use of the large vacuum hot press developed for diffusion bond fabrication of titanium metal matrix composites. The material combinations produced from the project are presented.