Doll Carver
にんぎょうぼりしょく
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Traditional artisan skill of shaping wooden dolls with chisels and carving knives, followed by coloring and finishing.
Description
Doll carvers are traditional craft artisans who use wood to sculpt dolls for decoration or display. Starting from sketches or drawings, they carve shapes out of blocks of wood, refining details with filing and intricate engraving. Upon completion, they apply coloring, lacquer coating, attach decorative metal fittings, and more to finish the pieces as artworks. Knowledge of materials and techniques, a sense of form, and attention to detail are required, with work primarily in workshops or as individual operations.
Future Outlook
Although there is a serious shortage of successors due to an aging population, interest in traditional crafts, inbound demand, and the expansion of online sales are creating a trend of increasing opportunities for younger people.
Personality Traits
Work Style
Exhibiting at Traditional Craft Shows / Freelance / Sole Proprietor / Workshop Employment
Career Path
Apprentice Craftsman → Craftsman (Independent) → Independent Practice → Workshop Operator → Obtaining Traditional Crafts Artisan
Required Skills
Painting and Finishing Techniques / Understanding of Wood Properties / Woodworking
Recommended Skills
CAD / Design Sketching / Traditional Coloring Techniques
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because it is necessary to accurately perform detailed carving and decoration. |
| Creativity & Ideation | High creativity is required for the design and shaping of works. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Adaptability | Because traditional techniques are frequently used, and there are few abrupt changes. |
| Communication Skills | Because the work centers on individual tasks, interpersonal communication is relatively minimal. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because there is little need for calculations or quantitative analysis. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | Teamwork is low because work is mainly performed individually. |
Related Qualifications
- Traditional Crafts Artisan
- Wood Carving Technician
Aliases
- Doll Sculptor
- Wooden Doll Carver
Related Jobs
- Buddhist Statue Carver
- Kokeshi Craftsman
- Wood Sculptor