1. Prediction of Engraving Time:
Before engraving, we should have an estimate upon the anthesis of the narcissus. In Zhangzhou, Fujian, the average temperature is around 14.8 - 12.4 degrees Celsius from December up to the Spring of next year. According to the normal condition, the engraving time should be 24-26 days ahead of Chinese Spring Festival. If the cold front from the North China comes to South China, the temperature will be low, and the anthesis will be delayed. Every year, during the Spring Festival, skillful craftsman will engrave coquettish bonsai. Moreover, per people's wishes, they can control the anthesis time so that it can bring happiess to people during the appropriate time like holiday, birthday, wedding, welcome party or ceremonies. In order to control the anthesis, we can use warm water to control the water temperature: the higher is the temperature, the narcissus will blossom earlier; otherwise, it will be later. If it is controlled properly, it will blossom in the desired time. In North China, since it is cold there, it generally takes 35-40 days to blossom with a florescence of 10-15 days.

2. Preparation for Engraving:
Choose narcissus shape according to the size and design of the craftsman. However, no matter which kind of artwork you are going to engrave, you should choose at least 30 "zhuang" (a kind of unit).
For tools, it is better to use Zhangzhou traditional engraving knife. Because of its tartness, it can enable the cut to be neat and smooth as to prevent from rot.

3. Engraving Procedures：
(1) Squama Removal：the left hand grasps the narcissus ball; the right hand takes the knife. Position the curved leaf bud to face yoruself. Then, use the knife to cut a curved line at around 1cm from the root base. Next, take the squama layer by layer until you can see the leaf bud.


(Under translation)