What is Higo Zogan
肥後象嵌
Higo Zogan is an inlay metal work product made in the Kumamoto area. In the past, it was developed as a decoration applied to the Japanese sword handguards, so called tsuba, but now this technique has been passed down as a decorative item for accessories and interiors.
The characteristics of Higo Zogan are the “profound feeling” and “elegant beauty” that reflect the samurai culture. The beauty of the gold and silver inlays on the deep black background gives off a sense of dignity without being too flashy. There are two techniques for this inlaying, which are “Nunome Zogan” and “Horikomi Zogan”, and the most of techniques used today is Nunome Zogan. Nunome Zogan is a technique in which a cutting texture is made in the fine lines on the surface of the metal, and gold and silver metals are driven into the grooves that are created.
They say that the founder of Higo Zogan is Matashichi Hayashi（林又七）, a gunsmith in the early Edo era. In the background of the development of Higo Zogan, it has been supported by the Hosokawa lord and has developed as a sophisticated technique along with the prosperity of the samurai society. At the end of the Tokugawa Shogun period, a master Kamiyoshi Rakuju, who is recognized as the 2nd coming of Matashichi Hayashi, appeared and Higo Zogan established an immovable position. With the Meiji Restoration, the sword ban was issued and the demand for sword metal fittings disappeared. Higo Zogan also suffered from this decline of demand. However, by trying to divert its technique to accessories and tea utensils, etc., they found a way out again and this traditional technique has been inherited to the present.
reference:KOUGEI JAPAN https://kogeijapan.com/locale/ja_JP/higozogan/
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