Experimental mokume gane aluminium sample. Mokume Gane was developed 300 years ago and the term comes from traditional sword-making techniques and refers to the patterns forged into the sword blades.The technique is difficult and laborious and as a result examples are relatively rare. The technique is such that each piece is unique. Ian Ferguson's work uses modern technological techniques (fusion welding) to obtain this effect in new materials. Made, using modern fusion welding techniques, by Ian Ferguson in 1999.