Preparation

"It takes 3 years to master preparation..."

They say.

And it's no kidding.

Preparation is a fairly complex process for bamboo baskets.

It requires skills, knowledge, and most of all, time.

First, cut the timber into manageable length,

and wash the natural wax off from the surface.

Then split them into sticks

and into thinner threads

and split again

and shape them into the same width and thickness. 

Most of the people give up in this process.

I would probably have too,

if not a nice person gave me a bunch of material on the first day.

Well, the most difficult part is over.

Now we can start weaving baskets.