Craft · No. 162
No. 162金工品
Higo Zogan (Higo Inlay)
肥後象がん
higo zogan · 熊本県
Higo Zogan is a traditional metal inlay craft from Kumamoto Prefecture, in which fine patterns of gold and silver are hammered into an iron base, creating a striking contrast of precious metals against darkened steel.
- Origin
- 熊本県
- Category
- 金工品
- Materials
- Iron · Gold · Silver
- Designation
- Nat'l Traditional Craft
No. IHistory
Higo Zogan traces its origins to the early Edo period, when skilled metalworkers serving the Hosokawa clan in the Higo domain (present-day Kumamoto Pr…
No. IIMaterials
No. IIITechniques
The Higo Zogan process consists of three main stages: carving, inlaying, and finishing. First, the artisan uses steel chisels (tagane) to engrave the…
No. IVClimate
Kumamoto's warm, humid climate and position as a castle town fostered a thriving metalworking culture. The city's history as a samurai stronghold crea…
