新木目金
NEW MOKUME-GANE CERTIFICATION
Developed and presented by
Aida Chemical Industries Co.,Ltd.
New Mokume Gane is a totally new application designed for Art Clay Silver and Copper based on traditional Japanese metalsmith techniques back in the 1600s in Japan for sword fittings. Mokume means Wood pattern. Gane is metal alloy made from mixed-metal laminate with distinctive layered patterns. To achieve high quality Mokume-Gane by traditional way, it requires adequate experiences, tremendous time for making process, and many special equipments. The technique has been inherited by only limited craftsperson, and its beauty is applied into today’s craft work and jewelry in Japan and overseas with high reputation.
What is Mokume-Gane ?
Mokume-Gane is a special metal working technique which originally developed from Guri Bori designs for sword guards made by Denbei Shoami (1651–1728) back 400 years ago in Akita Prefecture, Edo period, Japan.
Guri originally represented a type of carved lacquer work designs of clouds with alternating layers of red and black. Bori means carving. Mokume-gane is a technique of using different color metals to create wood grain-like patterns, so it is also known as Tagayasan Ji (metal) due to the similar grain pattern of Tagayasan wood (English name: Cassia siamea). However, to create Mokume-Gane by fusing and hammering different types of metals requires very high skill, so it is known to be not easily acquired.
Quotes about the New Mokume-Gane from the point of view of traditional jewelry making
“I was deeply convinced that a new tradition has began when I see curriculum projects which presented techniques utilizing clay, some of which cannot be imagined in original Mokume-Gane metal-smithing techniques. I hope more new techniques will spread to the world from Japan through New Mokume-Gane.”
Minoru Miki (Research and Development Supervisor)
Jewellery Designer – 2001-2008 Chairman of the Japan Jewelry Designers Association – President of MIKI-STUDIO.
“Tradition has met a new material, and the range of Jewelry design possibilities for everyone will be significantly broadened.”
Yosuke Inoue (Technical advisor)
Metal Craft Artist – Member of Japan Jewelry Designers Association (JJDA) – Member of the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) – Master of Fine Arts in Metal-smithing & Jewelry Design at Indiana University Graduate School.
New Mokume Gane
CERTIFICATION
with Astari G. Swatantri
The course follows the curriculum, guidelines and requirements that have been set by Aida Chemical Industries Co., LTD, the creator and owner of the NMG program. Art Clay NMG training is a complete developed syllable with official text book and guide, covering different techniques to produce consistent results. When fired accordingly, the result can be processed with further metalsmithing techniques such as hammering, filing, and mirror finish. Learning NMG techniques will bring a jewelry artist’s personal skill and jewelry creation to the next level.
Program
• Introduction to New Mokume Gane
• 6 theme projects with required techniques and knowledge
• Brief information of Japanese traditional Mokume-Gane
• Firing technique
• Repairing pre- and post- firing
• Problem solving (Question & Answers)
• Overview of New Mokume Gane guidelines
Prerequisite : Art Clay full certified instructor (Level 2 with approval of 3 evaluation pieces)
Included in the training:
• Textbook, supplementary guidance (in English)
• Certificate (after a successful completion of examination)
Artist
I’m Astari G. Swatantri, an award winning metal clay artist with more than 10 years experience of working with metal clay. I’m passionate about metal clay and sharing it with others.
Metal clay is a versatile material which keeps me exploring the possibilities to combine it with different art, craft and jewelry techniques and materials. I’m always up for the most recent development and I’ve followed metal clay trainings worldwide, the newest was Silver Quilling certification in Japan in 2016. As a metal clay artist I’ve received several awards for my jewelry, one of the highlights was the Grand Prix of Silver Accessories Contest in 2013. I love meeting other metal clay enthusiasts and share the passions for metal clay!
Schedule (might be adjusted):
Day 1: Intro; Projects: Inlay, Guribori
Day 2: Projects: Yuteki, Cross
Day 3: Projects: Marble, Feather; Demo: fixing, finishing, firing; Info: exam
Day 4: Pre-finishing, finishing, Q&A
Setup & Supplies
- Please note: All pieces need to be kiln fired. Due to long firing schedule and limited kiln space, a couple or more pieces might need to be fired after the class either by the host or student, and finishing/polishing will be done by participants at home.
- Materials (Material packages should be available from Art Clay):
- 100gr Art Clay Silver
- 60gr Art Clay Copper
- 20gr Art Clay paste New Formula
- 2pcs silver 999 bailback, 1 set screw brooch pin, 1pc silver 999 eyelet 8mm, 1 porcelain cabochon 27mm
- Tools:
Per participant: Basic Metal clay tools- Working mat
- Roller
- Plastic strips 1.5mm and 1mm and a set of play cards
- Clay cutter (half round cutter), bring along Needle tool if available
- Craft knife ‘Precision work’ with 30° blade from Art Clay
- Shape templates, shape cutters, etc. (optional)
- Paint brush, water bottle and dish
- Prefinishing tools (files (large & small), sanding pads 3M (Red, Blue, Green), two sets for silver and copper
- Silver Overlay paintbrush(es) from Art Clay, with flat tip and/or round tip
- Regular ziplock plastic medium size (for kneading clay)
- Safety devices (dust mask, goggles, etc)
- Magnifying glasses or reading glasses if needed
- Ruler (might be necessary when sketching/measuring)
- Engraver needle
- Stabilo pencil
Should be available at the studio:
- Basic studio supplies: Parchment paper, Plastic clingfilm, Baby wipes, Toothpicks, Tissue paper, Scissors, Paper & Pencil
- DAS Clay Natural & Terracotta for practicing
- Gram weight scale (to weigh clay)
- Drying equipment (such as hotplate)
- Pin vise with drill bits set
- Finishing tools (steel brushes)
- Kilns with digital temperature display (minimum 2 kilns) with suitable carbon firing equipment (carbon and steel box with lid)
More Info
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions :)
Updates: