Buddhist Altar Lacquerer

ぶつだんぬりし

Industry & Occupation

Engineering & Manufacturing

Classification

Summary

Specialist who applies lacquer and pigments to finish Buddhist altars used in temples and homes. Utilizes painting and polishing techniques to enhance aesthetics and durability.

Description

Buddhist altar lacquerers are traditional craft artisans who apply multiple layers of undercoating, polishing, top coating, and gold leaf pressing to the surfaces of altars and Buddhist implements to perfect decoration and durability. The process starts with the base received from wood base artisans, involving fabric pasting or ground powder for undercoating adjustment, lacquer application, repeated polishing in each step, and final finishing with gold leaf or coloring. The work centers on meticulous handcraft, with material drying and drying environment management being crucial. They also handle the inheritance of traditional techniques and proposals for new designs, requiring communication with workshop teams and customers.

Future Outlook

While aging and successor shortages are concerns, Buddhist altar demand remains stable, with steady demand expected due to preferences for luxury items and recognition in overseas traditional craft markets. Succession of techniques and high value-added development are key.

Personality Traits

Excellent Aesthetic Sense / High Concentration / Meticulous / Patient

Work Style

Manufacturing Contractor / Self-Employed / Workshop Employment

Career Path

Apprentice → Craftsman (Painter) → Workshop Leader → Independent/Workshop Management → Traditional Craftsman

Required Skills

Foil Pressing Technique / Lacquer Painting Technique / Polishing Technique / Undercoating Adjustment

Recommended Skills

Basic Design Knowledge / Color Sense / Paint Knowledge

Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)

Item Description
Attention to Detail & Accuracy Precise work is required to avoid uneven coating or chips in details.

Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)

Item Description
Numerical & Quantitative Analysis Primarily relies on senses and experience, with no need for complex mathematical analysis.

Related Qualifications

  • Traditional Craftsman

Related Jobs

  • Buddhist Implement Maker
  • Gold Leaf Presser
  • Lacquerware Painter
  • Wood Base Artisan

Tags

Keywords