Gilding Artist
びょうきんし
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Traditional manufacturing occupation that applies gold decorations to craft items such as lacquerware and ceramics.
Description
Gilding artists are traditional craft artisans who draw intricate patterns and decorations using gold leaf or gold powder on the surfaces of lacquerware, porcelain, wood products, and more. They perform multiple processes with high precision: material base preparation, underdrawing creation, gold leaf application, gold powder polishing and fixation, and more. They also handle post-completion painting, polishing, and finishing, supporting the aesthetics and quality of high-end craft products. They may also work on design proposals tailored to domestic and international needs, as well as developing new techniques.
Future Outlook
While there is a challenge of successor shortages in traditional crafts, the high-end craft products market and overseas demand remain stable. Diversification of designs using digital technology and expansion of online sales are expected to create new business opportunities.
Personality Traits
Dexterous hands and good at fine work / Excellent aesthetic sense / High concentration / Patient
Work Style
Freelance / Sole Proprietor / Traditional Crafts Employment / Workshop Employment
Career Path
Apprentice → Craftsman → Workshop Owner/Master Craftsman → Traditional Craftsman
Required Skills
Dedicated Tool Operation / Foil Pressing Technique / Material Knowledge / Polishing Technique / Underdrawing Production
Recommended Skills
CAD / Communication Skills (English) / Photorealism / Traditional Craft Techniques
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because high accuracy is required for detailed gold decoration application. |
| Creativity & Ideation | Creativity to devise original designs is important. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Communication Skills | Because customer interaction and team communication are relatively minimal. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because there are almost no opportunities for quantitative analysis. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Because it mainly consists of fine work in seated or standing positions, with little heavy labor. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | Because it mainly consists of individual work with little collaboration with others. |
Related Qualifications
- Traditional Craftsman
Aliases
- Gold Decorator Artist
Related Jobs
- Gold Leaf Artisan
- Lacquer Crafts Artist
- Maki-e Artist
- Metal Decoration Artisan