also: さいくどころ
noun
workshop; craft workshop
Only with reading さいくじょ
General term for a workshop where crafting or fine manual work is done. The reading さいくじょ is specified for this sense. Compare with 工房 (こうぼう), which is a more common modern word for workshop/studio.
See also: 工房
その細工所では、職人が伝統工芸品を作っている。
At that workshop, artisans are making traditional crafts.
noun
Heian/Kamakura-period furniture workshop
Historical term for a furniture workshop established in temples and government bodies during the Heian and Kamakura periods. Not used in modern contexts.
平安時代の細工所は、寺院や官庁に設けられていた。
During the Heian period, furniture workshops were established in temples and government offices.
noun
Edo-period arms/armor procurement office
Historical term for an Edo-period administrative office that managed tenders for arms, armor, and related equipment. Not used in modern contexts.
江戸時代の細工所は、武具や甲冑の入札を管理した。
During the Edo period, the procurement office managed tenders for arms and armor.
Common modern word for workshop or studio, used for art, crafts, and manufacturing. 細工所 is rarer and often historical.
Compound of 細工 (さいく, 'craft, workmanship') and 所 (しょ/どころ, 'place'). The reading さいくじょ uses the on'yomi for both characters, while さいくどころ mixes on'yomi and kun'yomi. The historical senses reflect specific institutional uses in pre-modern Japan.