Jump to content

Craftpedia Article Style Guide: Difference between revisions

From Craftpedia
No edit summary
Marked this version for translation
Line 1: Line 1:
<languages />
<languages />
<translate>
<translate>
<!--T:1-->
This document defines the standard structure, tone, and formatting rules for all craft articles across the Craftpedia ecosystem.   
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.
It applies to every language and every regional portal.


<!--T:2-->
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.
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 ==
== Purpose of This Guide == <!--T:3-->


<!--T:4-->
The Craft Article Style Guide establishes:
The Craft Article Style Guide establishes:
* the required structure for articles;
* the required structure for articles;
Line 17: Line 20:
* cross-language consistency rules.
* cross-language consistency rules.


<!--T:5-->
Every article in Craftpedia must follow this structure unless a portal adopts a more detailed local standard.
Every article in Craftpedia must follow this structure unless a portal adopts a more detailed local standard.


== General Principles ==
== General Principles == <!--T:6-->


<!--T:7-->
Craftpedia articles must follow these principles:
Craftpedia articles must follow these principles:


<!--T:8-->
* '''Clarity''' – Information must be presented in a clear and readable way.   
* '''Clarity''' – Information must be presented in a clear and readable way.   
* '''Accuracy''' – Every statement must be fact-checked using authoritative sources.   
* '''Accuracy''' – Every statement must be fact-checked using authoritative sources.   
Line 29: Line 35:
* '''Respect for Cultural Heritage''' – Terminology and descriptions must treat all cultural traditions with care.
* '''Respect for Cultural Heritage''' – Terminology and descriptions must treat all cultural traditions with care.


== Article Structure Template ==
== Article Structure Template == <!--T:9-->


<!--T:10-->
Each article should follow the standard Craftpedia article structure.   
Each article should follow the standard Craftpedia article structure.   
Sections may be expanded, but not removed.
Sections may be expanded, but not removed.


<!--T:11-->
=== Lead / Introduction ===
=== Lead / Introduction ===
A short summary (2–4 sentences) that includes:
A short summary (2–4 sentences) that includes:
Line 41: Line 49:
* its cultural significance.
* its cultural significance.


<!--T:12-->
The introduction must not contain detailed history or long lists.
The introduction must not contain detailed history or long lists.


<!--T:13-->
Example:
Example:
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
Line 48: Line 58:
</blockquote>
</blockquote>


<!--T:14-->
=== Historical Background ===
=== Historical Background ===
Covers:
Covers:
Line 55: Line 66:
* periods of innovation or decline.
* periods of innovation or decline.


<!--T:15-->
This section may refer to historical periods (e.g., Edo period, Qing dynasty, Joseon era).
This section may refer to historical periods (e.g., Edo period, Qing dynasty, Joseon era).


<!--T:16-->
=== Materials ===
=== Materials ===
Describes:
Describes:
Line 63: Line 76:
* preparation methods (refining, filtering, alloying, softening).
* preparation methods (refining, filtering, alloying, softening).


<!--T:17-->
If relevant, describe regional variations.
If relevant, describe regional variations.


<!--T:18-->
=== Techniques ===
=== Techniques ===
Explains:
Explains:
Line 71: Line 86:
* unique or trademark methods.
* unique or trademark methods.


<!--T:19-->
This section should be factual, not instructional.
This section should be factual, not instructional.


<!--T:20-->
=== Tools and Equipment ===
=== Tools and Equipment ===
(Required only if relevant)
(Required only if relevant)


<!--T:21-->
Includes:
Includes:
* traditional tools (e.g., bamboo brushes, kick wheels, chisels);
* traditional tools (e.g., bamboo brushes, kick wheels, chisels);
* specialized equipment (kilns, looms, furnaces).
* specialized equipment (kilns, looms, furnaces).


<!--T:22-->
=== Regional Variations ===
=== Regional Variations ===
Describes differences across:
Describes differences across:
Line 86: Line 105:
* regional schools or styles.
* regional schools or styles.


<!--T:23-->
Each variation should be clearly marked with a subheading.
Each variation should be clearly marked with a subheading.


<!--T:24-->
=== Cultural and Ritual Significance ===
=== Cultural and Ritual Significance ===
(Required only if applicable)
(Required only if applicable)


<!--T:25-->
Explains:
Explains:
* symbolic meaning;
* symbolic meaning;
Line 97: Line 119:
* relevance in traditional events or beliefs.
* relevance in traditional events or beliefs.


<!--T:26-->
=== Modern Developments ===
=== Modern Developments ===
Covers:
Covers:
Line 105: Line 128:
* integration into modern design or industry.
* integration into modern design or industry.


<!--T:27-->
=== Notable Objects or Types ===
=== Notable Objects or Types ===
A curated list of representative craft forms.
A curated list of representative craft forms.


<!--T:28-->
Examples:
Examples:
* Flower vases   
* Flower vases   
Line 114: Line 139:
* Sword fittings   
* Sword fittings   


<!--T:29-->
Each item may link to its own article if available.
Each item may link to its own article if available.


<!--T:30-->
=== Gallery ===
=== Gallery ===
Images must follow:
Images must follow:
Line 123: Line 150:
* accurate and neutral captions.
* accurate and neutral captions.


<!--T:31-->
=== References ===
=== References ===
Every article must include   
Every article must include   
Line 131: Line 159:
* peer-reviewed sources.
* peer-reviewed sources.


<!--T:32-->
Websites may be included if reputable (museums, universities).
Websites may be included if reputable (museums, universities).


<!--T:33-->
=== Category Section ===
=== Category Section ===
All articles must include:
All articles must include:


<!--T:34-->
; Mandatory categories:
; Mandatory categories:
* [[Category:<CRAFT_DOMAIN>]] (e.g., Ceramics, Metalwork)
* [[Category:<CRAFT_DOMAIN>]] (e.g., Ceramics, Metalwork)
Line 141: Line 172:
* [[Category:<PREFECTURE_NAME>]] or equivalent administrative unit
* [[Category:<PREFECTURE_NAME>]] or equivalent administrative unit


<!--T:35-->
; Optional categories (when applicable):
; Optional categories (when applicable):
* [[Category:<PERIOD_NAME>]]   
* [[Category:<PERIOD_NAME>]]   
Line 148: Line 180:
* [[Category:<SUBFAMILY>]] (e.g., weaving, dyeing, casting)
* [[Category:<SUBFAMILY>]] (e.g., weaving, dyeing, casting)


<!--T:36-->
Categories must follow the naming conventions defined in the Category System Specification.
Categories must follow the naming conventions defined in the Category System Specification.


== Writing Tone and Style ==
== Writing Tone and Style == <!--T:37-->


<!--T:38-->
* Use a neutral, academic tone similar to museum catalog descriptions.   
* Use a neutral, academic tone similar to museum catalog descriptions.   
* Avoid subjective adjectives (e.g., “beautiful,” “magnificent,” “stunning”).   
* Avoid subjective adjectives (e.g., “beautiful,” “magnificent,” “stunning”).   
Line 158: Line 192:
* Introduce Japanese, Chinese, or other local terms with transliteration on first use.
* Introduce Japanese, Chinese, or other local terms with transliteration on first use.


<!--T:39-->
Example:
Example:
; Correct:
; Correct:
Line 164: Line 199:
“This amazing technique beautifully uses clay from the area.”
“This amazing technique beautifully uses clay from the area.”


== Terminology Rules ==
== Terminology Rules == <!--T:40-->


<!--T:41-->
=== Craft Names ===
=== Craft Names ===
* English name first   
* English name first   
* Local name second (script + transliteration)
* Local name second (script + transliteration)


<!--T:42-->
Example:
Example:
'''Imari ware''' (伊万里焼, ''Imari-yaki'')
'''Imari ware''' (伊万里焼, ''Imari-yaki'')


<!--T:43-->
=== Transliteration ===
=== Transliteration ===
Follow ISO or widely accepted museum standards:
Follow ISO or widely accepted museum standards:
Line 179: Line 217:
* Korean: Revised Romanization
* Korean: Revised Romanization


<!--T:44-->
=== Historical Periods ===
=== Historical Periods ===
Always use standardized English period names:
Always use standardized English period names:
Line 186: Line 225:
* Joseon dynasty
* Joseon dynasty


== Image Use and Caption Style ==
== Image Use and Caption Style == <!--T:45-->


<!--T:46-->
Captions must:
Captions must:
* describe the object factually;   
* describe the object factually;   
Line 194: Line 234:
* credit museums if needed.
* credit museums if needed.


<!--T:47-->
Example:
Example:
“Porcelain bowl with underglaze blue decoration, Edo period (18th century). Arita ware.”
“Porcelain bowl with underglaze blue decoration, Edo period (18th century). Arita ware.”


<!--T:48-->
== Common Errors to Avoid ==
== Common Errors to Avoid ==
* Mixing historical facts with modern interpretations   
* Mixing historical facts with modern interpretations   
Line 206: Line 248:
* Describing personal opinions
* Describing personal opinions


<!--T:49-->
== Version History ==
== Version History ==
* 1.0 – Initial release (English)
* 1.0 – Initial release (English)
</translate>
</translate>

Revision as of 07:07, 29 November 2025

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:Religious objects]]
  • [[Category:Domestic objects]]
  • [[Category:Sword objects]]
  • [[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)