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Shakudo - Ancient Traditional Japanese Metal

The Story of Shakudo
Shakudo (赤銅) is a traditional Japanese alloy, primarily composed of copper and a small percentage of gold (typically 4-10%). While its name literally translates to "red copper," its defining characteristic is a rich, dark Black patina.

Historical Significance:
Historically, Shakudo was used by master artisans to create decorative fittings for samurai swords, such as the Tsuba (sword guard) and menuki (ornamental hilt decorations). This connection to the Edo period and the samurai class imbues the material with a powerful sense of history, honour, and exceptional craftsmanship. When the samurai class was abolished, many of these artisans adapted their skills to create small art objects and jewellery, allowing this incredible art form to be passed down through generations.

The Patina Process:The stunning black, or sometimes deep indigo, colour is not the natural state of the alloy. After the ring is forged and the Mokume Gane pattern is revealed, the piece is submerged in a special hot bath. This traditional patination process, known as Niage or solution, oxidizes the surface of the alloy, transforming it into a luxurious, lacquer-like black

In Your Mokume Gane Rings:
When incorporated into your Mokume Gane rings, Shakudo provides a dramatic, high-contrast element. Its deep, rich black colour will beautifully ground the lighter metals, causing them to stand out and making the intricate wood-grain pattern even more pronounced and visually striking. The matte finish will perfectly complement Shakudo's velvety, non-reflective surface.