Basketmaking is demanding on the hands and needs a good deal of strength for some of the larger items. To learn the art of basketmaking to a professional standard can take in excess of four years.
Apprentices start off by making bases for small items such as hampers. As their training progresses they can expect to work up to more complex lines, such as furniture and hot air balloon baskets, all of which demand a much higher level of skill and strength.
One of our trained craftsman can produce five, three foot wide landry basket in a day, non varying in width by more than half an inch. Such speed and dexterity is only acheived by constant practice and application.
Willow baskets were used extensively for agricultural and home consumption. Apples, potatoes, fish, glass, china and pottery were always carried in willow baskets. Willow furniture was also very popular , toliet ,ktichet ,room etc.
Activities of growing and basketmaking have traditionally been separated skills and activities, but both interdependent.
Linyi city is the place in china where willow is grown commercially for basketmaking.
One of the reasons for willow growing is due to the interest of handcrafts.
