Ipu - Hawaiian Ipu (Gourd) Art -Ipu Made In Hawai`i - Niihau Method

Hawaiian Ipu - You can now own a rare piece of ipu (gourd) art, an IPU art form that was once thought lost forever. Ipu discovery: It was only until the recent re-discovery by Dr. Bruce Kaimiola Chrisman that the Ni`ihau Method of decorating Hawaiian ipu (gourds) were revealed. By a special arrangement between CAPTAINPICARD.COM and noted Hawaiian Ipu artist, Dawn Karasaki, we are able to bring you her personal artistic Hawaiian ipu creations to the World Wide Web.

About The Process -

The ancient Hawaiian method of ipu making known as the Ni`ihau Method was practiced on the Hawaiian Island of Ni`ihau--also known as "The Forbidden Island." This unique Hawaiian ipu medium is sometimes referred to as "Umeke Pawehe," or the decorated ipu.

Dawn Karasaki

The successful creation of a decorated Hawaiian ipu requires many hours of trial and error and by honing one's artistic skills in the intricacies of this unique art form. Karasaki cultivates and harvests her own home-grown ipu gourds near the 2,000 foot elevation level on the slopes of Hualalai volcano on the Big Island. The gourds are only selected if they meet certain criteria such as shape, skin pigmentation, and other characteristics. The whole process from planting the ipu seeds to the finished product can take up to 6 to 8 months. When the gourds are at their peak development, she picks them and carves a design in the skin of the fresh gourd. The gourd is filled with a special coloring agent that remains in the gourd for several weeks. Eventually, as the gourd is dyed from the inside out, the dye changes the color of the uncarved portions of the gourd. The inside is then coated with a special waterproofing substance. Finally, Karasaki finishes the gourd by applying two coats of finishing oil. Some designs are created through pyrography (writing with fire) with colored dyes applied to the outside designs.

"Each ipu design is an original," says Karasaki. "I never know how the ipu will look until it is completely dried." The irregularity of the way the ipu accepts the dye makes each one unique. The result is a stunning piece of Original artwork that is functional as well as collectable!

Exquisite Hawaiian Ipu Art

Caring for your Ipu

Keep your ipu out of direct sunlight and heat. Clean ipu with a soft dry cloth. Hawaiian ipus may be used for dry flowers but avoid using with water. If an ipu is used as a live flower arrangement, we suggest using a small waterproof vase inside the ipu (depending upon the shape and size of the ipu) to contain the water. Most ipu art are used as displays, art objects, or decor.