Woodblock Print Worker
もくはんいんさつこう
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A profession engaged in the traditional printing technique of carving designs into wooden printing blocks, applying pigments, and richly printing onto washi paper.
Description
Woodblock printing workers are specialists who finely carve wooden printing blocks, prepare separate blocks for each color, apply pigments, and manually overlay them onto paper such as washi to create prints. While employing traditional techniques, they also engage in producing works, restoring cultural properties, creating educational materials, and more. Required are skills and experience for precise execution of delicate tasks such as block carving and repair, paper selection and pigment mixing, and operation of printing tools (baren).
Future Outlook
Demand is limited due to the spread of digital printing, but stable niche demand is expected in the fields of traditional crafts, art markets, and cultural property restoration.
Personality Traits
Has a Sense of Beauty / High Concentration / Meticulous / Patient
Work Style
Commissioned Production / Individual Workshop / Museum / Traditional Crafts
Career Path
Apprentice → Artisan → Chief Printer → Restoration and Conservation Specialist → Self-employed/Workshop Owner
Required Skills
Block Registration Technique / Pigment Mixing / Printing Technique / Washi Handling Technique / Wood Carving
Recommended Skills
Art History / Conservation and Restoration Techniques / Digital Design / Material Knowledge
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | High precision is required for fine carving and color matching. |
| Creativity & Ideation | Aesthetic sense and originality are required for colors, composition, etc. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Requires physical strength for long hours of printing work and handling printing blocks. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Communication Skills | Mainly individual work, with little frequent communication with others. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Almost no numerical analysis is required. |
Aliases
- Printmaker
- Woodblock Print Artist
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