Mikana: new forms of mokume gane

This paper addresses the ongoing development of a new form of mokume gane. The mokume gane process has its origins in 16th century Japanese metalwork, and has been used in the West since Tiffany & Co, and Christofle adopted the process in the 1870’s. Research in the 1980’s enabled the production of precious metal mokume gane jewellery and more widespread commercialisation of production. The paper discuses the historical background of mokume gane and describes an interdisciplinary project between researchers and designers from the jewellery and silversmithing field, working in collaboration with material scientists and engineers, that led to a new form of mokume gane production techniques. The paper reflects on the collaboration and how the research was carried out, and the subsequent formation of a spinout company “Mikana” to commercialise the new material.