The craftsmanship of bamboo utensils consists of multiple complex steps such as selecting bamboo, scraping green, splitting bamboo, steaming, and weaving. Among them, splitting the bamboo is a crucial step that will determine the quality of bamboo utensils. So what are the techniques for splitting bamboo?
Splitting bamboo is the process of dividing bamboo poles into bamboo strips of uniform width. The most ancient technique is splitting by bamboo knife, which usually has a cutting head suitable for chopping and a handle that is easy to hold. Use a bamboo knife to first split a small opening at one end of the bamboo pole, and then use skill force along the opening to divide the bamboo pole into two, and then continue to divide it into the required width.
There is another improved technique of splitting bamboo. Place a specially designed tool with possibly 5 or more blades in the middle on one end of the bamboo pole, push the tool to the other end, and the bamboo pole will be divided into bamboo slices. This is a bit like the tool in the kitchen that divides boiled eggs into several pieces. After that, then use a specially made bamboo blade and scraper to further layer the bamboo slices into finer bamboo strips.
These methods require high skills from people. Nowadays, there are also automated machines used to split the bamboo and improve efficiency. Due to diversity in structure and thickness, different types of bamboo may have some differences in the process of splitting bamboo.
Moso bamboo has a larger diameter, thicker fibers, and good toughness. When splitting bamboo, it requires even force and more polishing after dividing the strips. Black bamboo and water bamboo, due to their small diameter, smoothness, and flexibility, only require little strength to break the bamboo, and do not require excessive polishing after splitting, making them very suitable for weaving complex patterns. Many bamboo weaving crafts in Booboa use these types of bamboo.
Splitting bamboo may seem simple, but it actually embodies the wisdom of ancient people and the diligent study and practice of craftsmen. We may not be able to split bamboo ourselves, but there are still many ways to get exquisite bamboo weaving crafts, such as Booboa, which is a good place to pick up our desired bamboo items.
Bamboo is easily split lengthwise due to the vertically arranged fibers. About that, there are some interesting statements.
In China, we use the phrase “momentum like breaking bamboo”to describe that things are going so smoothly just like splitting bamboo sticks one after another without any obstacles. And in India, “splitting the bamboo” is a name of Kama Sutra position. The man begins the position seated above the woman with his legs “split” around her waist. While the woman’s body is held erect and still, the man guides his manhood into her yoni and proceeds to make love to her.
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