Original research into Japanese alloys and patination

The niiro process is an ancient technique said to have evolved during the late Heian period (794-1184 A.D). Currently, the production of irogane alloys and their patination is a difficult and unreliable process. Our research, presented first at the Santa Fe Symposium on Manufacturing Technology in May 2009, aims to develop reliable alloy production and a safe, easy-to-use, and repeatable patination process using standard ingredients available from chemical suppliers. The following is a summary of our findings.