Translation guide
A person who creates sculptures. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is 彫刻家 (ちょうこくか). There are also more specific or traditional terms depending on the material or style.
Referring to a person who creates sculptures as an art form, typically working with materials like stone, wood, metal, or clay.
The standard, neutral term for a sculptor as an artist. Suitable for most contexts.
He is a famous sculptor.
The sculptor created the work out of marble.
A more formal or technical term, often used in art contexts. Emphasizes both carving (彫) and modeling (塑).
His skill as a sculptor is wonderful.
Can imply a master or craftsman, sometimes used for traditional sculptors. Less common for modern fine artists.
The temple's Buddha statue was made by a famous sculptor.
Specifically a sculptor who works with wood.
Specifically a sculptor who works with stone.
A sculptor specializing in stone carving.
The stone sculptor is carving a huge piece of granite.
A sculptor who creates Buddhist statues, a traditional and specialized role.
A sculptor of Buddhist images. A historical and traditional term.
Unkei is a famous sculptor of Buddhist images from the Kamakura period.
When in doubt, use 彫刻家 (ちょうこくか). It is the most versatile and widely understood term for a sculptor in modern Japanese.
彫刻家 is the common term. 彫塑家 is more academic and emphasizes both subtractive (carving) and additive (modeling) techniques. In everyday conversation, 彫刻家 is preferred.