Shibuichi

Subcategory: Copper Alloy; Nonferrous Metal

Material Notes:
A Japanese alloy that is both tough and hard, yet maintains excellent cold forming properties. Shibuichi with 15% silver is softer and more colorable, while Shibuichi with 25% silver is springy and reticulates the best. The alloy is a naturally a creamy pink color.

This alloy was first seen in cast sculptures dating from the Han Dynasty in China. It has also been found in pre-Columbian archaeological sites. The pre-Columbians depletion plated the alloy to form a silver rich surface that was then polished to look like silver. The alloy was brought to Japan (from China) and used in sword fixtures.

Shibuichi can be patinated to a wide range of grays, olive greens and even sky blue. Alternately swabbing with clear ammonia and rinsing in warm water produce pale greens. A similar green color can be produced on the fine silver surface left from reticulation by swabbing with a mixture of 50% ammonia and 50% vinegar. The piece is then suspended in a closed warm container with a pad soaked in ammonia. Addin