寛永9（1632）年肥後国主として入国した細川忠利侯に仕えた林又七が、鉄砲や刀の鐔に象がんを施したのが祖とされます。
江戸時代この林家のほか平田家・西垣家・志水家・神吉家などにより、肥後鐔の名品が数多く残されています。明治9年（1876年）の廃刀令以降は、装身具や装飾品に転じ、日常生活の変化に対応した製品が作られています。

The Higo inlay craft can be traced to the craftsman Hayashi Matashichi. Supported by the local feudal lord, Hayashi performed inlay metalwork on firearms and sword guards during the first half of the 17th century. His style of sword guard continued to be produced by generation after generation of the Hayashi family and was later taken up by other families, including the Hiratas, Nishigakis, Shimizus and Kamiyoshis, on through to the Edo era (1600-1868). In fact, many examples of their work remain in existence today. When the carrying of swords was outlawed in 1876, the Higo craftsmen turned their focus to decorative work and began making everyday items in line with the new social norms.

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