The making of rattan basket

First, the rattan have to be wet in order to make it pliable enough to bend without cracking. Hot water will hasten the softening process.  But our sifu(expert) normally puts the bundle of rattan that he needs to use the next day on the floor at the back and hose it liberally with tap water, leaving it overnight.

Sifu then selects right size rattan from the bundle and arrange them straight on the floor ready to weave.

The creation process begins ! Sifu starts off by building the base of the basket with rattan criss-crossing and binding the center with some thinner rattan.  The size of the base will decide the diameter of the basket. Water may be applied to the work with a cloth just wherever the bends must be made.

When the base of the basket is finished and the sides have to be shaped and woven at the same time.  He must also ensure that the base is round before he bends the rattan.

Careful weaving is needed to make the basket round and solid.  He beats the rattan with a heavy blunt knife every now and then as he weaves  the sides of basket with new rattan.  Every rattan basket is different, it's a work of art !!

Aftrer reaching the desired height of the basket, the hand grip is woven. A nice and useful rattan basket is finally done.  Takes a fair bit of work.  But if its your first attempt, I can assure you that not only your basket  will be out-of-shape but you may even sustain blisters in your hands !

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