Urushi Filtering Worker
うるしとおしにん
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Urushi filtering workers are craftsmen who apply multiple layers of urushi to wooden products or lacquerware, repeating grinding and drying to create a smooth and beautiful urushi coating.
Description
Urushi filtering workers begin with undercoating treatment such as ground sealing on the surface of wooden products or lacquerware, apply urushi using brushes, and harden it in a dedicated drying chamber (kura) while managing humidity and temperature. After hardening, they perform grinding and polishing to form a smooth and uniform urushi coating. These processes (through passes) are repeated multiple times to finish an urushi surface with beautiful luster and durability. They require knowledge of traditional tools and the characteristics of natural urushi material, as well as skills in strictly managing the work environment and attention to detail. They mainly work in urushi ware workshops or traditional craft manufacturing sites, playing a crucial role in determining product quality.
Future Outlook
Successor shortage due to declining birthrate and aging population is serious, and support for inheriting traditional techniques is advancing. Demand for high-grade lacquerware remains stable, and evaluation in tourism demand and international markets is also rising.
Personality Traits
Excellent aesthetic sense / High concentration / Patient / Polite and courteous
Work Style
Craftsman / Freelance / Project-based Contracts / Workshop Employment
Career Path
Apprentice Urushi Craftsman → Urushi Filtering Worker → Maki-e Artist → Traditional Craftsman → Workshop Manager/Owner
Required Skills
Base Adjustment / Drying and Hardening Management / Polishing / Traditional Tool Operation / Urushi Application
Recommended Skills
Gold Leaf Decoration / Maki-e Techniques / Quality Control / Wood Base Processing
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because it is necessary to finish even the finest parts uniformly. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because numerical calculations in the process are almost unnecessary. |
Related Qualifications
- Monozukuri Meister
- Traditional Craftsman
Aliases
- Lacquer Painter
- Urushi Craftsman
Related Jobs
- Maki-e Artist
- Wood Turner