Mokume Gane by Anne Wolf
Newsflash - I am in the process of moving my studio from San Diego, CA to Havant, UK over the next few months. There may be a lag in my response time, and I will not be able to take in custom work / ring orders until I’m settled in my new studio. Please bear with me!
Featured Fine Art
This tsuba is inspired by of one of the most well-known mokume gane tsubas in history - the Yoshino River Tsuba made by Takahashi Okitsugu in the mid-late Edo period in Japan. I used different metals (copper, brass and nickel silver), and a silhouette of my own design; five-lobed rather than 8-lobed. It took me about two years to create, and is just a first draft. Next one will be made with silver, shakudo and shibuichi. From my very first billets, I always wanted to create crisp, unique mokume patterns with great control. This was different from a lot of the fairly random, all-over stuff I was seeing. It was in Masaki Takahashi's "Textbook of Mokume Gane" book that I was first introduced to the historical work of Takahashi Okitsugu - I saw it was possible to create such patterns, so I had a goal. Read more.
Featured workshops
Chisel Patterning Mokume Gane
January 15-17, 2027 at Danaca Design, Seattle WA
Tuition $590 + kit fee $150 payable in class
Danaca Design in Seattle Washington
I love teaching here; it is my favorite studio and the one I return to most often, partly because of the great coffee and restaurants within a 2-minute walk, and actual usable public transportation. But more importantly it's friendly and well-equipped, and there is an 8 student maximum so there is plenty of space to spread out and time to ask me questions.
Mokume Gane is an ancient Japanese technique that uses fused layers of different metals to form unique patterns. After a short overview of what mokume gane is and how it is made, we’ll delve into chiseling, using pre-fused mokume gane billets. Students will secure their work in pitch or use lower cost alternatives, and then learn to properly sharpen and accurately use their chisels.
After chiseling, the billet will be forged back to flat, locking the pattern into the material. Patterns can be abstract or representational and informed by the student's own aesthetic; the design possibilities are endless. Participants can expect to create multiple patterned sheets to be used later in various jewelry/metals projects. Those who wish to can focus on creating a 3" x 3" patterned sheet to be used in the next class to create a sake cup. Those not in the second class may spend the last day creating a simple finished jewelry object with their patterned mokume. Detailed handouts including fabrication/finishing tips will be provided. Open to all levels. Register at Danaca Design
Fuse, Forge, and Roll: Creating a Mokume Gane Billet
January 29-31, 2027
Tuition $580, kit fee $90 payable to instructor in class
Metal Arts Guild of Georgia, near Atlanta, Georgia (Tucker)
Mokume Gane is an ancient Japanese metalworking technique in which layers of non-ferrous metals are fused together using time, heat, and pressure (no solder). All aspects of the fusing process will be covered, from billet design, proper cleaning and prep, to what temperatures and soak times to use for what metals, etc. We’ll be using the more precise solid-state diffusion bonding method, but alternative methods will be discussed. Proper forging techniques, by hand and/or hydraulic press, will be shown. Finally we’ll roll the billets down to sheet and/or rod, so your material will be ready to pattern. As time allows we will cover aspects of patterning and patination, but the main focus here is fusing and working the billet into usable material. Best for intermediate-advanced jewelry students. Register at MAGG.
Free Resources and Events
San Diego Jewelry Lab Online Sawing Circle & Hammer Yammer
Hammer Yammer: Once a month, every 1st Tuesday 5:30-7pm Pacific.
Sawing Circle: Once a month, every 3rd Tuesday 5:30-7pm Pacific.
Where: Online via Zoom - Cost: FREE
Sponsored by Anneville Studio and Mondo Bop Metal Arts Gifts & Gear
Our online gatherings are a bit like a book club but instead of reading, we work on cool stuff, help each other with problems, share ideas and provide accountability for ongoing work. If you've been looking for support for moving forward on your projects then this is for you. Join us from your studio to work in the good conversation and company of like-minded friends. Totally free, no need to RSVP, simply make yourself a snack, settle at your bench and click the button to join in. Explore our Padlet and other resources at SanDiegoJewelryLab.com.
I don't attend all the time, but when I am there, I'm happy to answer any mokume or other metals question, general or specific. Even if I'm not there, you'll still have fun, I promise!
This has taken many steps, hard work, and been about a year in the making; I am so excited to announce that my Global Talent Visa has been accepted by the UK Arts Council!!!
Still more logistics and details to arrange, but what this means is Ame and I will be moving to southern England, hopefully in the next few months.