Gold and Silver Ornament Craftsman
きんぎんかざりしょく
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Traditional craft occupation that decorates lacquerware and artisanal products using gold leaf, silver leaf, and ornamental metal fittings.
Description
Gold and silver ornament craftsmen are artisans who apply gold leaf or silver leaf to lacquerware, wood products, pottery, and porcelain, and add decorations using maki-e and ornamental metal fittings. In foil stamping, extremely thin foil is affixed to precise positions using lacquer or adhesives. In maki-e, gold or silver powder is sprinkled onto lacquer surfaces to create designs. For ornamental metal fittings, techniques such as hammering, cutting, and chasing are employed to shape and finish the fittings. Delicate manual work, high technical precision, and a sense for achieving aesthetic harmony across the entire piece are required.
Future Outlook
While traditional crafts are highly valued both domestically and internationally, there is a serious shortage of successors. Expectations are high for technology succession and developing new markets through the introduction of digital design.
Personality Traits
Work Style
Custom-Made / Freelance / Made-to-Order Production / Workshop Employment
Career Path
Apprentice → Craftsman → Workshop Owner → Traditional Crafts Artisan → Business Owner/Artist
Required Skills
Foil Stamping Technique / Lacquer Application / Maki-e / Manual Dexterity / Metal Processing
Recommended Skills
Design Software (Basic Operation) / English (Exhibition Explanations) / Traditional Crafts History Knowledge
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | High precision is required for minute work. |
| Creativity & Ideation | Creativity in devising designs and motifs is required. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Communication Skills | Mainly individual work with minimal interpersonal communication. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Does not require advanced numerical analysis. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | Primarily individual work, with limited collaborative tasks. |
Related Qualifications
- Traditional Crafts Artisan
Aliases
- Foil Stamping Artisan
- Gold Leaf Craftsman
- Ornament Craftsman
Related Jobs
- Chasing and Repoussé Artisan
- Lacquer Art Craftsman
- Metal Craftsman
- Mounting Craftsman