The Art of Mokume Gane
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 workshop
Twist & Bur: Mokume Ring Patterning - Online
May 16 & 17, 2026
Tuition:
Basic $390 ($295 reg. plus $95 required kit fee)
Deluxe $490 ($295 reg. plus $195 required kit fee)
Twist patterning is the basis for most of the precious-metal mokume rings made in the US – mine included. In this online class you’ll learn exactly how I create such detailed organic patterns in my rings. I'll show two patterns created using round edge wheel burrs (3rd and 6th from left in the photo). Even if you've never patterned mokume before, you can follow the steps to create two uniquely patterned rods. Use the copper/brass mokume included in the basic kit, or spring for the deluxe kit which includes sterling silver/shibuichi rod. Each pattern will be shown step-by-step, with visuals, videos, and my live narration. You'll have lots of time to try the techniques with me right there to answer your questions as they come up. Details and registration.
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!
In the middle of teaching a four day mokume gane short course at truly magical West Dean College. Working hard but taking time to soak in the atmosphere too. Great bunch of students working hard too! Tomorrow, rolling out the billets. Wish us luck!