The traditional craft of Higo Inlay involves engraving intricate designs into iron, then inlaying them with silver or gold. It is said that 400 years ago, in the early Edo period, local metalworkers started producing ornamental gun barrels, sword guards. Under the patronage of the Hosokawa family, which ruled Higo at the time, many masterpieces were produced and were highly praised as [Higo Metalwork]. Today, it is used in a wide range of works, including jewelry such as brooches and earrings, and the decoration of small boxes and stationery, and the technique is being passed down.
Studied under Higo Inlay master Tomoaki Kawaguchi, then established an independent studio in 2006. Received the Japan Craft Association Western Branch Award in the Assignment Division of the Western Crafts Exhibition in 2013, and the Kumamoto City Award in the Freedom Division of the Western Crafts Exhibition in 2015. Certified as a traditional craftsman in 2018. The works, which are mainly based on natural objects such as flowers, leaves, moons, and waves, combined with geometric patterns, are ones that both men and women will want to incorporate into their daily lives. Using traditional techniques and a feminine design sense, creating a new world of Higo Inlay. In the future, Ms. Matsunaga will continue to master not only the metal engraving technique known as inlay, but also the technique of metal forging, and his desire to create new worlds will never stop.
It is said that 400 years ago, in the early Edo period, local metalworkers started producing ornamental gun barrels, sword guards.
Under the patronage of the Hosokawa family, which ruled Higo at the time, many masterpieces were produced and were highly praised as [Higo Metalwork].
Today, it is used in a wide range of works, including jewelry such as brooches and earrings, and the decoration of small boxes and stationery, and the technique is being passed down.
Studied under Higo Inlay master Tomoaki Kawaguchi, then established an independent studio in 2006. Received the Japan Craft Association Western Branch Award in the Assignment Division of the Western Crafts Exhibition in 2013, and the Kumamoto City Award in the Freedom Division of the Western Crafts Exhibition in 2015.
Certified as a traditional craftsman in 2018.
The works, which are mainly based on natural objects such as flowers, leaves, moons, and waves, combined with geometric patterns, are ones that both men and women will want to incorporate into their daily lives.
Using traditional techniques and a feminine design sense, creating a new world of Higo Inlay.
In the future, Ms. Matsunaga will continue to master not only the metal engraving technique known as inlay, but also the technique of metal forging, and his desire to create new worlds will never stop.