Weaving Baskets Beside a Willow Stream

Beneath weeping willows along a quiet stream, a family works willow into a large arched basket, its ribs striped in dyed reds, blues, and purples. A woman kneels weaving the base while a man beside her strips fresh green withies, and a young girl gathers dyed bundles at their feet, sorting them by color. A kingfisher watches from a low branch, and robins and tits perch among the leaves and a second basket resting at the water's edge. Beyond them, a footbridge crosses to a thatched cottage tucked among the trees, poppies and daisies scattered through the grass. Every bundle of willow laid out before them is a single color, yet together they are already becoming the striped basket taking shape between the weaver's hands.