Professor Hara from Kanagawa College in Japan came to teach some students from the Buffalo State College metals class how to do metal inlay, a centuries old Japanese technique. We first practiced on a flat piece of brass secured in a bowl of pitch. We learned how to do lines, curves, circles, and dot, both flat and raised. After practicing on the flat piece we were each given a swing cup by Professor Hara on which to do a design. The cups were filled with pitch and we were also provided with a small wooden box with which to secure them as we dug channels into the sides of them to be inlaid with fine silver wire.
Tool making was also demonstrated during the week that Professor Hara spent with us, so that we can continue on with the project once he has departed. He also showed us a patina method that will turn the brass base of our projects black and leave the silver and copper plain for better visibility of the inlay.
The week went by quickly and we learned a great deal. It was quite an honor to be able to learn from such an accomplished metal-smith.
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