Craftpedia Article Style Guide: Difference between revisions
CraftAdmin (talk | contribs) Marked this version for translation |
CraftAdmin (talk | contribs) No edit summary |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
<languages /> | <languages /> | ||
<translate> | <translate> | ||
This document defines the standard structure, tone, and formatting rules for all Craftpedia articles about traditional crafts and artisanal techniques. | |||
This document defines the standard structure, tone, and formatting rules for all | |||
It applies to every language and every regional portal. | 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. | 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. | ||
__TOC__ | |||
== Purpose of This Guide == | == Purpose of This Guide == | ||
The Craftpedia Article Style Guide establishes: | |||
The | |||
* the required structure for articles; | * the required structure for articles; | ||
* the preferred writing tone; | * the preferred writing tone; | ||
| Line 20: | Line 17: | ||
* cross-language consistency rules. | * cross-language consistency rules. | ||
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 == | ||
Craftpedia articles must follow these 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 == | == Article Structure Template == | ||
Each Craftpedia article about a craft tradition should follow the standard structure. | |||
Each article should follow the standard | |||
Sections may be expanded, but not removed. | Sections may be expanded, but not removed. | ||
=== Lead / Introduction === | === Lead / Introduction === | ||
A short summary (2–4 sentences) that includes: | A short summary (2–4 sentences) that includes: | ||
| Line 49: | Line 39: | ||
* its cultural significance. | * its cultural significance. | ||
The introduction must not contain detailed history or long lists. | The introduction must not contain detailed history or long lists. | ||
Example: | Example: | ||
<blockquote> | <blockquote> | ||
| Line 58: | Line 46: | ||
</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
=== Historical Background === | === Historical Background === | ||
Covers: | Covers: | ||
| Line 66: | Line 53: | ||
* periods of innovation or decline. | * periods of innovation or decline. | ||
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). | ||
=== Materials === | === Materials === | ||
Describes: | Describes: | ||
| Line 76: | Line 61: | ||
* preparation methods (refining, filtering, alloying, softening). | * preparation methods (refining, filtering, alloying, softening). | ||
If relevant, describe regional variations. | If relevant, describe regional variations. | ||
=== Techniques === | === Techniques === | ||
Explains: | Explains: | ||
* primary production process (step-by-step overview); | * primary production process (step-by-step overview); | ||
* specialized techniques (casting, weaving, throwing, carving, lacquering); | * specialized techniques (casting, weaving, throwing, carving, lacquering); | ||
* unique or | * unique or characteristic methods. | ||
This section should be factual, not instructional. | This section should be factual, not instructional. | ||
=== Tools and Equipment === | === Tools and Equipment === | ||
(Required only if relevant) | (Required only if relevant) | ||
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). | ||
=== Regional Variations === | === Regional Variations === | ||
Describes differences across: | Describes differences across: | ||
| Line 105: | Line 84: | ||
* regional schools or styles. | * regional schools or styles. | ||
Each variation should be clearly marked with a subheading. | Each variation should be clearly marked with a subheading. | ||
=== Cultural and Ritual Significance === | === Cultural and Ritual Significance === | ||
(Required only if applicable) | (Required only if applicable) | ||
Explains: | Explains: | ||
* symbolic meaning; | * symbolic meaning; | ||
| Line 119: | Line 95: | ||
* relevance in traditional events or beliefs. | * relevance in traditional events or beliefs. | ||
=== Modern Developments === | === Modern Developments === | ||
Covers: | Covers: | ||
| Line 128: | Line 103: | ||
* integration into modern design or industry. | * integration into modern design or industry. | ||
=== Notable Objects or Types === | === Notable Objects or Types === | ||
A curated list of representative craft | A curated list of representative object forms connected to the craft. | ||
Examples: | Examples: | ||
* | * flower vases | ||
* | * incense burners | ||
* | * sake cups | ||
* | * sword fittings | ||
Each item may link to its own article if available. | Each item may link to its own article if available. | ||
=== Gallery === | === Gallery === | ||
Images must follow: | Images must follow: | ||
* preference for museum and open-licensed photographs; | |||
* preference for museum photographs; | * prohibition of AI-generated images (see Media & Image Usage Policy); | ||
* proper licensing (CC, | * proper licensing (CC, open access collections); | ||
* accurate and neutral captions. | * accurate and neutral captions. | ||
=== References === | === References === | ||
Every article must include | Every article must include: | ||
* academic publications, | * academic publications, | ||
* museum catalogues, | * museum catalogues, | ||
* archaeological reports, | * archaeological reports, | ||
* authoritative dictionaries, | * authoritative dictionaries, | ||
* peer-reviewed sources. | * peer-reviewed sources. | ||
Websites may be included if reputable (museums, universities, cultural institutions). | |||
Websites may be included if reputable (museums, universities). | |||
=== Category Section === | === Category Section === | ||
Articles must include: | |||
; Mandatory categories: | ; Mandatory categories: | ||
* [[Category:< | * a domain category such as <nowiki>[[Category:Ceramics]]</nowiki>, <nowiki>[[Category:Metalwork]]</nowiki>, etc. | ||
* one or more geographical categories (country, region, prefecture) | |||
* | * a historical period category when clearly applicable | ||
; Optional categories (when applicable): | ; Optional categories (when applicable): | ||
* [[Category:< | * period categories (e.g. <nowiki>[[Category:Edo period]]</nowiki>) | ||
* <nowiki>[[Category:Religious objects]]</nowiki> | * <nowiki>[[Category:Religious objects]]</nowiki> | ||
* <nowiki>[[Category:Domestic objects]]</nowiki> | * <nowiki>[[Category:Domestic objects]]</nowiki> | ||
* <nowiki>[[Category:Sword objects]]</nowiki> | * <nowiki>[[Category:Sword objects]]</nowiki> | ||
* [[Category:< | * technique or subfamily categories (e.g. <nowiki>[[Category:Porcelain]]</nowiki>, <nowiki>[[Category:Stoneware]]</nowiki>, <nowiki>[[Category:Bronze casting]]</nowiki>) | ||
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 == | ||
* 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 192: | Line 155: | ||
* Introduce Japanese, Chinese, or other local terms with transliteration on first use. | * Introduce Japanese, Chinese, or other local terms with transliteration on first use. | ||
Example: | Example: | ||
; Correct: | ; Correct: | ||
| Line 199: | Line 161: | ||
“This amazing technique beautifully uses clay from the area.” | “This amazing technique beautifully uses clay from the area.” | ||
== Terminology Rules == | == Terminology Rules == | ||
=== Craft Names === | === Craft Names === | ||
* English name first | * English name first | ||
* Local name second (script + transliteration) | * Local name second (script + transliteration) | ||
Example: | Example: | ||
'''Imari ware''' (伊万里焼, ''Imari-yaki'') | '''Imari ware''' (伊万里焼, ''Imari-yaki'') | ||
=== Transliteration === | === Transliteration === | ||
Follow ISO or widely accepted museum standards: | Follow ISO or widely accepted museum standards: | ||
| Line 217: | Line 176: | ||
* Korean: Revised Romanization | * Korean: Revised Romanization | ||
=== Historical Periods === | === Historical Periods === | ||
Always use standardized English period names: | Always use standardized English period names: | ||
| Line 225: | Line 183: | ||
* Joseon dynasty | * Joseon dynasty | ||
== Image Use and Caption Style == | == Image Use and Caption Style == | ||
Captions must: | Captions must: | ||
* describe the object factually; | * describe the object factually; | ||
* include century or approximate date; | * include century or approximate date; | ||
* include material and technique; | * include material and technique if known; | ||
* credit museums | * credit museums or sources when needed. | ||
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. Image: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0.” | ||
== Common Errors to Avoid == | == 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 or promotional language; | ||
* | * describing personal opinions. | ||
== Version History == | == Version History == | ||
* 1.1 – Replaced “craft article” with “Craftpedia article” and “article about a craft tradition” | |||
* 1.0 – Initial release (English) | * 1.0 – Initial release (English) | ||
</translate> | </translate> | ||
Revision as of 07:12, 29 November 2025
This document defines the standard structure, tone, and formatting rules for all Craftpedia articles about traditional crafts and artisanal techniques. 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 Craftpedia 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 Craftpedia article about a craft tradition should follow the standard 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 characteristic 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 object forms connected to the craft.
Examples:
- flower vases
- incense burners
- sake cups
- sword fittings
Each item may link to its own article if available.
Gallery
Images must follow:
- preference for museum and open-licensed photographs;
- prohibition of AI-generated images (see Media & Image Usage Policy);
- proper licensing (CC, open access 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, cultural institutions).
Category Section
Articles must include:
- Mandatory categories
- a domain category such as [[Category:Ceramics]], [[Category:Metalwork]], etc.
- one or more geographical categories (country, region, prefecture)
- a historical period category when clearly applicable
- Optional categories (when applicable)
- period categories (e.g. [[Category:Edo period]])
- [[Category:Religious objects]]
- [[Category:Domestic objects]]
- [[Category:Sword objects]]
- technique or subfamily categories (e.g. [[Category:Porcelain]], [[Category:Stoneware]], [[Category:Bronze 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 if known;
- credit museums or sources when needed.
Example: “Porcelain bowl with underglaze blue decoration, Edo period (18th century). Arita ware. Image: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0.”
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 or promotional language;
- describing personal opinions.
Version History
- 1.1 – Replaced “craft article” with “Craftpedia article” and “article about a craft tradition”
- 1.0 – Initial release (English)