Offering Stand (kuge) Manufacturer
くげせいぞうこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Craftsman skilled in designing, manufacturing, and finishing wooden offering stands (kuge) used in Shinto shrine rituals and ceremonies, using traditional woodworking techniques.
Description
Offering stand manufacturers are artisans who produce wooden offering stands for placing offerings at shrines and similar locations. They primarily use domestic hinoki cypress or zelkova wood, process components with hand tools such as planes, saws, and chisels, and assemble them using traditional joint techniques like mortise-and-tenon joinery. Products may also feature decorations such as lacquer coating or gold leaf application, with dimensions and designs adjusted to meet client specifications. Techniques are passed down through master-apprentice systems, and finished products must meet strict quality standards as Shinto ritual items.
Future Outlook
Although there is a serious shortage of successors, the niche market is expected to persist due to growing interest in traditional culture and demand for experiential activities.
Personality Traits
Dexterous hands skilled in fine work / High concentration ability / Patient
Work Style
Exhibiting at trade shows / Individual workshop employment / Made-to-order production
Career Path
Disciple → Assistant worker → Artisan → Workshop owner → Traditional Craftsman
Required Skills
Hand tool operation / Knowledge of Shinto ritual items / Mortise-and-tenon joinery / Precision woodworking
Recommended Skills
Foil stamping technique / Lacquer coating technique / Woodworking blueprint creation
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | High accuracy is required for precise joint processing and finishing. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Physical strength is required for transporting wood and prolonged manual processing. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Adaptability | Work procedures and techniques are traditionally standardized. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Complex mathematical analysis is unnecessary; dimension measurement suffices. |
Related Qualifications
- Traditional Craftsman
Related Jobs
- Buddhist Ritual Item Manufacturer
- Furniture Craftsman
- Lacquerware Manufacturer
- Woodworker