Eastern Repoussé

Eastern repousse pendant from dimensionally patterned mokume gane, double weave Roman chain
Sterling, copper, shibuichi, 22k gold, fine silver, Koroit opal; 2 x 1-1/2 x 3/8 in, 18 in chain

I created the pendant by combining the techniques of Eastern repoussé and mokume gane, which is a sheet comprised of layers of different metals. When I’ve completed all the free-hand hammering of the shapes (there’s no mold!) then I grind off the surface hammer marks to reveal the cross section off all those displaced layers. It’s really my interpretation of ancient Egypt meeting the Edo period in Japan. The natural patterning of the Koroit opal cut into a 3-sided pyramid and set in 22k gold reflects the significant cultural technologies of past eras. The chain is a 1-Directional Double Weave, an ancient pattern of Roman chain, which creates a square herringbone pattern.