寛永9（1632）年肥後國主として入國した細川忠利侯に仕えた林又七が、鐵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、肥後鐔の名品が數多く殘されています。明治9年（1876年）の廢刀令以降は、裝身具や裝飾品に轉じ、日常生活の變化に對應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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