The name mokume gane, (pronounced moe-koo-may gah-nay), refers to the appearance of visual patterns in metal that approximate that of wood. In Japanese, mokume means wood eye, gane means metal. In English, wood grain metal is the closest, most accurate translation. The mokume gane technique was originally developed for decorative sword and metalwork in feudal Japan in the late 1600s. While commonly believed to have been developed for it's artistic qualities, mokume gane's origins were founded in the pursuit of a stronger 'alloyed' sword by master swordsmiths.

Mokume gane, or more commonly, 'mokume', consists of taking two or more layers of different metals and permanently fusing them together in alternating, patterned layers to form a stack or metal (known as a "billet"). The bonding of the billet is achieved by "welding" the layers together. The unique patterns of the different colored metals are created by a combination of cutting, twisting, and forging the billet in various ways to expose and shape the layers. The billet is finally formed into finished work through standard forging and fabrication.

To begin making mokume gane, several metals or alloys are selected. Color and malleability are of particular importance during this selection process. In addition to the natural color of a selected metal, the 'patina' colors of the metal are considered. Exposing a metal to various chemicals or heat can have a significant impact on the final color of a metal. During the creation process the billet sheets are cut to the same shape and then cleaned thoroughly, removing all dirt, oils and oxides. After the metal sheets are selected, stacked and compressed together to ensure complete contact, this billet is heated to create a bond and then forged to strengthen the bond and to reduce its thickness prior to patterning.

Patterning is the artistic manipulation of the completed billet. By exposing layers from within the billet this may be accomplished. Several methods, including carving, flattening, punching, stamping, milling, twistin or exposing the end grain are used to accomplish this process. Unlimited, unique and complex possibilities are appreciated through the reworking of patterned material. Because of the great difficulty of its manufacture, mokume gane has never been a widely practiced technique, and mokume items remain rare and precious.