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* specialized equipment (kilns, looms, furnaces).
* specialized equipment (kilns, looms, furnaces).


=== 3.6 Regional Variations ===
=== Regional Variations ===
Describes differences across:
Describes differences across:
* prefectures or provinces;
* prefectures or provinces;
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Each variation should be clearly marked with a subheading.
Each variation should be clearly marked with a subheading.


=== 3.7 Cultural and Ritual Significance ===
=== Cultural and Ritual Significance ===
(Required only if applicable)
(Required only if applicable)


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* relevance in traditional events or beliefs.
* relevance in traditional events or beliefs.


=== 3.8 Modern Developments ===
=== Modern Developments ===
Covers:
Covers:
* contemporary artists and studios;
* contemporary artists and studios;
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* integration into modern design or industry.
* integration into modern design or industry.


=== 3.9 Notable Objects or Types ===
=== Notable Objects or Types ===
A curated list of representative craft forms.
A curated list of representative craft forms.


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Each item may link to its own article if available.
Each item may link to its own article if available.


=== 3.10 Gallery ===
=== Gallery ===
Images must follow:
Images must follow:
* minimal AI usage (allowed only if culturally appropriate);
* minimal AI usage (allowed only if culturally appropriate);
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* accurate and neutral captions.
* accurate and neutral captions.


=== 3.11 References ===
=== References ===
Every article must include   
Every article must include   
* academic publications,   
* academic publications,   
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Websites may be included if reputable (museums, universities).
Websites may be included if reputable (museums, universities).


=== 3.12 Category Section ===
=== Category Section ===
All articles must include:
All articles must include:


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Categories must follow the naming conventions defined in the Category System Specification.
Categories must follow the naming conventions defined in the Category System Specification.


== 4. Writing Tone and Style ==
== Writing Tone and Style ==


* Use a neutral, academic tone similar to museum catalog descriptions.   
* Use a neutral, academic tone similar to museum catalog descriptions.   
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“This amazing technique beautifully uses clay from the area.”
“This amazing technique beautifully uses clay from the area.”


== 5. Terminology Rules ==
== Terminology Rules ==


=== 5.1 Craft Names ===
=== Craft Names ===
* English name first   
* English name first   
* Local name second (script + transliteration)
* Local name second (script + transliteration)
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'''Imari ware''' (伊万里焼, ''Imari-yaki'')
'''Imari ware''' (伊万里焼, ''Imari-yaki'')


=== 5.2 Transliteration ===
=== Transliteration ===
Follow ISO or widely accepted museum standards:
Follow ISO or widely accepted museum standards:
* Japanese: Hepburn
* Japanese: Hepburn
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* Korean: Revised Romanization
* Korean: Revised Romanization


=== 5.3 Historical Periods ===
=== Historical Periods ===
Always use standardized English period names:
Always use standardized English period names:
* Edo period
* Edo period
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* Joseon dynasty
* Joseon dynasty


== 6. Image Use and Caption Style ==
== Image Use and Caption Style ==


Captions must:
Captions must:
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“Porcelain bowl with underglaze blue decoration, Edo period (18th century). Arita ware.”
“Porcelain bowl with underglaze blue decoration, Edo period (18th century). Arita ware.”


== 7. Common Errors to Avoid ==
== Common Errors to Avoid ==


* Mixing historical facts with modern interpretations   
* Mixing historical facts with modern interpretations   
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* Describing personal opinions
* Describing personal opinions


== 8. Version History ==
== Version History ==
* 1.0 – Initial release (English)
* 1.0 – Initial release (English)

Revision as of 21:51, 28 November 2025

Craft Article Style Guide

This document defines the standard structure, tone, and formatting rules for all craft articles across the Craftpedia ecosystem. It applies to every language and every regional portal.

The purpose of this guide is to ensure that all Craftpedia articles are consistent, academically reliable, and easy to read, while remaining compatible with machine-assisted translation workflows.


Purpose of This Guide

The Craft Article Style Guide establishes:

  • the required structure for articles;
  • the preferred writing tone;
  • formatting conventions;
  • category rules;
  • image usage guidelines;
  • cross-language consistency rules.

Every article in Craftpedia must follow this structure unless a portal adopts a more detailed local standard.

General Principles

Craftpedia articles must follow these principles:

Clarity – Information must be presented in a clear and readable way. Accuracy – Every statement must be fact-checked using authoritative sources. Neutrality – Articles must avoid promotional or biased language. Consistency – All portals must follow the same article structure. Respect for Cultural Heritage – Terminology and descriptions must treat all cultural traditions with care.

Article Structure Template

Each article should follow the standard Craftpedia article structure. Sections may be expanded, but not removed.

Lead / Introduction

A short summary (2–4 sentences) that includes:

  • the name of the craft (English name + original language form if relevant);
  • the craft’s origin or region;
  • the main materials and techniques;
  • its cultural significance.

The introduction must not contain detailed history or long lists.

Example:

Arita ware (有田焼, Arita-yaki) is a Japanese porcelain tradition developed in the early 17th century in Saga Prefecture. It is known for its refined white clay, cobalt-blue underglaze painting, and strong export influence on European ceramics.

Historical Background

Covers:

  • origins (century, founders, influences);
  • key historical phases;
  • political, economic, or cultural context;
  • periods of innovation or decline.

This section may refer to historical periods (e.g., Edo period, Qing dynasty, Joseon era).

Materials

Describes:

  • raw materials (clays, woods, metals, pigments, fibers);
  • their geographic sources;
  • preparation methods (refining, filtering, alloying, softening).

If relevant, describe regional variations.

Techniques

Explains:

  • primary production process (step-by-step overview);
  • specialized techniques (casting, weaving, throwing, carving, lacquering);
  • unique or trademark methods.

This section should be factual, not instructional.

Tools and Equipment

(Required only if relevant)

Includes:

  • traditional tools (e.g., bamboo brushes, kick wheels, chisels);
  • specialized equipment (kilns, looms, furnaces).

Regional Variations

Describes differences across:

  • prefectures or provinces;
  • villages or workshops;
  • regional schools or styles.

Each variation should be clearly marked with a subheading.

Cultural and Ritual Significance

(Required only if applicable)

Explains:

  • symbolic meaning;
  • ritual or ceremonial uses;
  • social status associated with the craft;
  • relevance in traditional events or beliefs.

Modern Developments

Covers:

  • contemporary artists and studios;
  • revival efforts;
  • museum collections;
  • international influence;
  • integration into modern design or industry.

Notable Objects or Types

A curated list of representative craft forms.

Examples:

  • Flower vases
  • Incense burners
  • Sake cups
  • Sword fittings

Each item may link to its own article if available.

Images must follow:

  • minimal AI usage (allowed only if culturally appropriate);
  • preference for museum photographs;
  • proper licensing (CC, museum open collections);
  • accurate and neutral captions.

References

Every article must include

  • academic publications,
  • museum catalogues,
  • archaeological reports,
  • authoritative dictionaries,
  • peer-reviewed sources.

Websites may be included if reputable (museums, universities).

Category Section

All articles must include:

Mandatory categories
  • [[Category:<CRAFT_DOMAIN>]] (e.g., Ceramics, Metalwork)
  • [[Category:<REGION_NAME>]] or [[Category:<REGION_NAME> Region]]
  • [[Category:<PREFECTURE_NAME>]] or equivalent administrative unit
Optional categories (when applicable)
  • [[Category:<PERIOD_NAME>]]
  • [[Category:<SUBFAMILY>]] (e.g., weaving, dyeing, casting)

Categories must follow the naming conventions defined in the Category System Specification.

Writing Tone and Style

  • Use a neutral, academic tone similar to museum catalog descriptions.
  • Avoid subjective adjectives (e.g., “beautiful,” “magnificent,” “stunning”).
  • Avoid speculative statements.
  • Prefer short, clear sentences.
  • Introduce Japanese, Chinese, or other local terms with transliteration on first use.

Example:

Correct

“The technique uses iron-rich clay sourced from the local river basin.”

Incorrect

“This amazing technique beautifully uses clay from the area.”

Terminology Rules

Craft Names

  • English name first
  • Local name second (script + transliteration)

Example: Imari ware (伊万里焼, Imari-yaki)

Transliteration

Follow ISO or widely accepted museum standards:

  • Japanese: Hepburn
  • Chinese: Hanyu Pinyin
  • Korean: Revised Romanization

Historical Periods

Always use standardized English period names:

  • Edo period
  • Meiji period
  • Ming dynasty
  • Joseon dynasty

Image Use and Caption Style

Captions must:

  • describe the object factually;
  • include century or approximate date;
  • include material and technique;
  • credit museums if needed.

Example: “Porcelain bowl with underglaze blue decoration, Edo period (18th century). Arita ware.”

Common Errors to Avoid

  • Mixing historical facts with modern interpretations
  • Using inconsistent transliteration
  • Overloading the introduction with details
  • Missing categories
  • Not citing sources
  • Using subjective language
  • Describing personal opinions

Version History

  • 1.0 – Initial release (English)