Willow craft branches out

In the quiet town of Caozhuang in Linshu county, Shandong province, villagers are busy in mid-June weaving willow products ordered months earlier by overseas buyers. Among the most popular items is a handwoven sleigh lined with soft velvet, designed as a Christmas decoration.

"Customers visit months in advance to place orders. These festive willow crafts add warmth to homes and capture the spirit of Christmas," says Zhang Zhiquan, general manager of Linyi Olvy Agricultural Comprehensive Development Co Ltd.

Beyond sleighs, Christmas tree skirts, storage baskets and delicate willow deer ornaments have also become seasonal best-sellers.

Walking into the Olvy garden in the town, visitors are instantly immersed in a handcrafted paradise filled with diverse ingenious crafts woven from willow branches, wood and ropes.

At the garden entrance, a simple fence made of interlaced willow twigs and small wooden stakes showcases the primitive power of nature.

Every corner of the garden features handmade willow creations, including delicate tables, chairs and pavilions. Rows of functional and decorative willow works range from storage boxes, woven baskets and framed mirrors to delicate small ornaments.

"We love willow products because so many things today are machine-made. Handmade baskets bring warmth to a home," says Carlos Rocher Arnal, a buyer from Spain shopping for Christmas gifts.

He is looking for baskets to fill with wine, chocolates, and other presents for teachers, doctors, lawyers, friends, and family — a long-standing Christmas tradition in his country.

"I'm looking for items with handles, or some small containers to put two or three bottles and some chocolates," he adds.

Willow weaving in Linshu dates back to the Sui (581-618) and Tang (618-907) dynasties, according to historical records. The craft flourished during the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties before reaching maturity in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

Over centuries, artisans developed techniques including flat weaving, pattern weaving, block weaving and edge wrapping. Today, the craft is mainly practiced in Henan, Shandong, Hebei and Anhui provinces.