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The Evolution of Mokume-gane: From Japan to the West and Back Again
Mokume-gane nearly disappeared in Japan in the 1900s as the reforms in the Meiji period led to its decline in production. In this article we explore the turbulent history of Mokume-gane and how it was brought back from the brink of extinction in the late 1970s.
The Origins of Mokume-gane
The art of Mokume-gane was created by a master sword fitting craftsman Shoami Denbei during the early Edo period almost 400 years ago. Like many innovations, Mokume-gane was born out of the inspiration of centuries old techniques and art forms, while being reimagined in a new form.