Karakami mounter
からかみひょうぐし
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Artisan who uses karakami—Japanese paper dyed or embossed using traditional techniques—to perform mounting on fusuma, wallpaper, etc.
Description
The karakami mounter is a specialist who produces karakami by applying patterns to Japanese paper using techniques such as stencil dyeing and drawn foil, and performs mounting on fusuma, shoji, walls, and similar surfaces. They measure dimensions, cut and assemble paper based on drawings, and handle everything up to the finishing pressing process. There is high demand for reproducing traditional designs in cultural property architecture and tea room restorations, and inheriting these skills requires many years of apprenticeship. In recent years, experiential workshops in tourist areas have also increased.
Future Outlook
Although there is a serious shortage of successors due to aging, with the expansion of demand for cultural property restoration and traditional craft experiences, efforts in successor training and skill inheritance are expected to advance.
Personality Traits
Work Style
Cultural property restoration / Freelance / Workshop employment
Career Path
Apprentice → Artisan (Karakami mounter) → Workshop owner/Independent → Traditional craftsperson → Cultural property restoration specialist
Required Skills
Adhesive preparation / Drawing interpretation and dimension measurement / Stencil dyeing and drawn foil / Washi handling techniques
Recommended Skills
Color theory / Communication skills / Japanese art history / Restoration techniques
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because it requires precision in detailed patterns and pasting. |
| Creativity & Ideation | Creativity is required to devise original patterns and color schemes. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Communication Skills | Collaboration within the workshop is relatively limited as it involves a small number of people. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | No special mathematical analysis is required. |
| Stress Tolerance | Because work is often done in a gentle and quiet environment. |
Related Qualifications
- Traditional craftsperson
Aliases
- Mounting artisan
Related Jobs
- Mounting artisan
- Wallpaper artisan
- Washi artisan