The production is very labor intensive and requires a lot of experience and artistic insight. There are approximately 10 stages depending on the type of craft, the type of bark and the design. 

For an average container the first step is to scrape the bark to create a softer surface and intenser colors. Then, gelatin is used to coat the surface to strengthen it and allow it to maintain its pattern and color. Once it has dried up,  Then the cylindrical base is made and bark is glued on the inside. 

The 'mouth bark' - part that is visible when the lid is removed from the container - is created.  Once this is attached, the lid and body are defined and separated from each other. This has to be done carefully, with a small knife in order not to damage the entire product.  

Then, the most tricky part; applying the large piece of bark to the body of the container. This is done with gelatin and some kind of iron, which needs to be exactly the right temperature in order not to leave wrinkles or damage the craft. Highly skilled craftsmen learn to recognize the right temperate by simply dipping the iron in a bucket of water. 

Small knots on the design that would otherwise be imperfections, can be turned into the eye catcher of the design when adjusted by a skilled maker. 

Finally, it is polished with sandpaper and oil depending on how smooth it needs to become.

This method is especially for cylinder type container, such as tea containers, and is called Katamono. For rectangular items it is called Kijimono, and the technique used to create several layers of high quality polished bark is Tatamimono.