Higo Zogan

Gold on black iron

Higo Zogan inlays gold and silver into a base of iron or other metals. Its main method is nunome zogan, where fine cuts are chiselled into the iron and the precious metal hammered in, alongside carved inlay and other techniques. The look is weighty and subdued, with gold and silver shining against black. It is made in Kumamoto city in Kumamoto.

Antler, rust and tea

• A design is drawn on the iron and fine cuts like the weave of cloth are chiselled in.
• Thin gold and silver sheet is hammered into the cuts with deer antler, then finely engraved.
• A secret rusting liquid gives the surface an even rust.
• The piece is boiled in tea to turn it black, then rust-proofed.

From sword guards to jewellery

Higo Zogan is said to begin with Hayashi Matashichi, who served Hosokawa Tadatoshi when he became lord of Higo in 1632, and who inlaid gun parts and sword guards called tsuba. Through the Edo period the Hayashi, Hirata, Nishigaki, Shimizu and Kamiyoshi families made many famous Higo tsuba. After swords were banned in 1876, the craft turned to accessories and ornaments. The Google Maps 熊本県伝統工芸館 (opens in a new tab)Show map has run a serious Higo Zogan course since 2000.