The other side of the tree presents a better front because this branch, which has been stripped of its foliage, appears to be advancing towards the viewer, making a better image than if it were retreating.  

Salvatore instructs Robert to strip off the bark to make a large jin.  

Roberts next task is to soak some raffia in ice-cold water to make it both easier to apply and to encourage it to tighten as it warms up and dries out. (Although rubber tape could have been used as an alternative to raffia, none was available at the time).

Every part of the remaining branch is enclosed in a thick layer of raffia to protect the wood while it is being bent.  

The foliage must be wired before the styling is carried out, and the pot must be well supported during this operation.  

After every main branch has been enclosed in raffia and wired, Salvatore studies the tree to determine the best placement of the foliage.

Work now starts in earnest on the bottom part of the tree.  

Robert continues to remove areas of bark that Salvatore has marked.