Maki-e Artist
まきえし
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Traditional decorative craft profession that sprinkles gold or silver powder on the surface of lacquerware to draw pictures or patterns.
Description
Maki-e artists handle base preparation for lacquerware, pattern design, sprinkling of lacquer, gold powder, and silver powder, polishing, and more to apply exquisite decorations. It is a traditional craft occupation that requires years of training to acquire the techniques, with works applied to vessels, picture frames, decorative screens, etc.
Future Outlook
Number of practitioners is declining due to aging and successor shortage. Demand is expected to be maintained through overseas demand for craft goods and new value creation such as experience workshops.
Personality Traits
Work Style
Freelance / Self-employed sole proprietor / Workshop employment
Career Path
Apprentice Maki-e Artist → Maki-e Artist (Craftsman) → Workshop manager → Traditional Crafts Artisan → Independent business
Required Skills
Base preparation / Gold and silver powder processing / Lacquer handling / Maki-e / Polishing technique
Recommended Skills
Color theory knowledge / Customer service skills / Design / Traditional crafts knowledge
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | High precision is required in fine work. |
| Creativity & Ideation | Creative thinking for decorative design is required. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Adaptability | Focuses on inheriting traditional techniques with few changes. |
| Communication Skills | Primarily individual work with little communication with others. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Numerical analysis is almost unnecessary. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | Mainly individual work with little team work. |
Related Qualifications
- Traditional Crafts Artisan
Aliases
- Maki-e Artist
Related Jobs
- Gold Leaf Artisan
- Lacquer Artist
- Woodturner