This set of two mini hand-built ceramic dishes are inspired by the endemic plant called the Kupukupu. Kupukupu means “to sprout” or “to grow” in Hawaiian, symbolizing new growth in knowledge and a connection to the continuous cycles of life. The Kupukupu fern is culturally significant, traditionally used in lei making and adorning hula alters. These make beautiful alter pieces or these little gems can also be used in the kitchen as a shallow dish for shoyu or other condiments.
The Kupukupu is a native sword fern species to Hawaii, that I grow in my garden. I select the small leaves of the fern and press into the hand-built plates to create the imprint, after the bisque fire I carefully paint a green-colored glaze onto the imprint then dip into a clear glaze to get the indigo-like result. This has become one of my favorite techniques and will be making more pieces to add to the “Kupukupu Collection”.
This set of two mini hand-built ceramic dishes are inspired by the endemic plant called the Kupukupu. Kupukupu means “to sprout” or “to grow” in Hawaiian, symbolizing new growth in knowledge and a connection to the continuous cycles of life. The Kupukupu fern is culturally significant, traditionally used in lei making and adorning hula alters. These make beautiful alter pieces or these little gems can also be used in the kitchen as a shallow dish for shoyu or other condiments.
The Kupukupu is a native sword fern species to Hawaii, that I grow in my garden. I select the small leaves of the fern and press into the hand-built plates to create the imprint, after the bisque fire I carefully paint a green-colored glaze onto the imprint then dip into a clear glaze to get the indigo-like result. This has become one of my favorite techniques and will be making more pieces to add to the “Kupukupu Collection”.
