Lacquer Worker
しっこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
Traditional craft artisan who applies lacquer to wooden or bamboo utensils, dries, polishes, and decorates them to produce lacquerware.
Description
Lacquer workers apply raw lacquer to prepared wooden bases, allow natural drying, and repeat base preparation processes such as polishing and sealer coating. They further utilize various techniques including coloring with colored lacquer, maki-e (decorative technique of sprinkling gold powder), inlay, dry lacquer, etc., to complete beautiful and durable lacquerware. The work is primarily manual, requiring attention to temperature and humidity control as well as measures against lacquer allergies. Obtaining certification as a Traditional Craftsman increases technical credibility, enabling production in workshops, participation in exhibitions, and direct sales.
Future Outlook
While successor shortages pose a challenge, demand remains stable or is gradually expanding due to the high-end branding of lacquerware, overseas market development, and interest in Japanese traditional culture.
Personality Traits
Excellent Aesthetic Sense / High Concentration / Meticulous / Patient
Work Style
Exhibition Participation / Freelancer / OEM Commission / Sole Proprietor / Workshop Employment
Career Path
Apprentice Lacquer Worker → Lacquer Worker Craftsman → Chief Craftsman → Traditional Craftsman → Workshop Owner
Required Skills
Lacquer Application Technique / Maki-e / Polishing and Finishing Technique / Wooden Base Preparation
Recommended Skills
Color Sense / Customer Service and Sales Skills / Temperature and Humidity Control / Traditional Craft Knowledge
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Precise work is required that misses no fine irregularities or coating unevenness. |
| Creativity & Ideation | Artistic creativity is required for maki-e and design work. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Communication Skills | Primarily individual work with minimal interpersonal communication. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Low frequency of quantity calculations or precise measurements. |
| Collaboration & Teamwork | Much individual work in workshops, with limited team collaboration. |
Related Qualifications
- Certified Traditional Craftsman (Lacquer Worker)
- Craft Proficiency Test (Lacquer Worker) Level 1
- Craft Proficiency Test (Lacquer Worker) Level 2
- Craft Proficiency Test (Lacquer Worker) Level 3
Aliases
- Lacquer Craftsman
- Lacquer Finisher
Related Jobs
- Ceramist
- Metal Decoration Worker
- Painting Worker
- Wood Craftsman