Shibuichi

Shibuichi ( Japanese 四分 一 , dt. "A quarter") is a collective term for silver-containing copper alloys , which have been known in Japan since the 8th century and were used there for jewelry production. The alloy, also known as quarter silver , usually consists of 5 - 25% silver and the remainder copper .

If the silver content is around 40%, then it is referred to as Shiro Shibuichi (“white ~”). There is also the Kuro Shibuichi ("black ~"), which consists of the alloys Shakudō and Shibuichi. The proportion of Shibuichi in this alloy is usually 20–40%.

Shibuichi has a light to dark gray color, depending on the silver content, and was used in a variety of ways in what was then Japan due to the lack of precious metals. For example, as a silver-colored component in Mokume-Gane blacksmithing.

Web links

• Data sheet for Mokume-Gane semi-finished products (accessed August 30, 2019)
• Mokume Gane (accessed August 30, 2019)
• Japanese irogane alloys and patination - a study of production and application (accessed August 30, 2019)
• MALCOLM FAIRLEY JAPANESE WORKS OF ART (accessed August 30, 2019)