Gyotaku
The word gyotaku is derived from the Japanese words for "fish" (gyo) and "rubbing" (taku). This method was first practiced in the mid-1800s by Japanese fishermen hoping to preserve an accurate impression of their prized fish before consumption. The gyotaku method involves applying ink to a fish, placing paper on top, and pressing down to create a printed image. The art form has since evolved, but the basic process still involves applying ink to the surface of a fish and pressing it against a target surface such as rice paper or other fabric.
Today, gyotaku artists use three different approaches: the direct method, indirect method, and transfer film method. The direct method, or chokusetsu-ho, uses a clean and prepped fish which is inked and then pressed against paper to create a print. The indirect method, or kansetsu-ho, involves applying ink to silk adhered to the fish and yields more detailed images. Tampos are special applicators used in the indirect method to apply ink onto the paper, ensuring precision and control. The transfer method, or tensha-ho, creates an image on hard surfaces and does not reverse the final print compared to the direct method. This method is particularly useful for creating prints on non-traditional surfaces. Each technique brings its own artistic version of the final image, which can be displayed in a gallery or even mounted on canvas or silk wrapped boards.
Art Form
What sets gyotaku art apart from other printmaking styles is its deep connection to the subject matter. Fish and similar subjects appear in naturalistic poses since the print is taken directly from the actual sea creatures. Artists gently apply ink to the fish, sometimes using colored inks directly or mixing color mediums for unique results. Sumi ink is the traditional black ink used in gyotaku, while modern artists may use non-toxic, water-based acrylic paints for a wider color palette. While the earliest gyotaku prints were black and white state works, adding color soon became popular, with painted details like eyes painted after the printing stage.
Modern artists also experiment with background washi paper, hard surface panels, and other fabric mediums. Each surface or material influences how the inks and details show in the finished works. Rice paste or wet mounted paper can also be used to achieve new effects. Work includes current creative pieces that pay tribute to both the natural beauty and cultural importance of gyotaku prints.
Gyotaku Art
Gyotaku art captures important subject matter with a blend of tradition and innovation. While the original prints recorded the fisherman’s catch, today’s artists take inspiration from a variety of sources, sometimes including even the wall or plastic as a target surface for mounting. Some pieces are wet mounted or framed, while others are printed on silk for a luxurious presentation. Canvas also remains a popular substrate for mounting creations in a contemporary setting. Videos and gallery displays frequently help share these modern works with wider audiences.
A key point when creating gyotaku art is the painstaking process of preparing both the fish and the paper or fabric. The process includes careful hand rubbing, allowing the ink to transfer from the inked subject to the chosen medium. Each print is unique, and no two images are ever exactly alike. This aspect brings a human element to the art form and helps viewers feel a deeper connection with nature through the printed images.
Printing Fish
Printing fish requires precision and patience, particularly when using the direct method. Artists must ensure the ink covered object – typically a fish fresh from the sea – is clean, dry, and posed naturally. Preparation of the fish involves cleaning it with water and salt or vinegar, drying it, and stabilizing fins for printing. Gyotaku classes can include explanations of how to prepare fish for printing and apply ink effectively. Inks are applied painstakingly to the fish, then rice paper, washi paper, or silk is carefully laid over the body. Artists work directly with their hands to press and massage the surface, focusing on creating detailed images that highlight the fine scales and subtle forms of the fish.
Once printed, artists often enhance the gyotaku print by painting in the eyes or adding color mediums. Gyotaku prints can be left in black and white with painted eyes, or can have color added using colored inks or washes. The result is a right oriented impression of the fish, as opposed to the mirrored image that some forms of printmaking create. Gyotaku artists often use nontoxic inks to create prints, ensuring safety and environmental friendliness. Gyotaku prints are frequently mounted on scrolls or framed with a red seal and kanji calligraphy indicating the artist. Gyotaku prints may also be mounted on wood or gallery canvas for display, or even printed onto other fabric for apparel or decorative works.
Gyotaku Print
A true gyotaku print reflects both the technical skill and creativity of the artist. Each work is mounted with care, whether on wet mounted rice paper, silk, or canvas. Finished works are often displayed as fine art in gallery spaces or private collections, and the process of gyotaku printing is now recognized globally as both a scientific record and a respected art form. The use of colored inks has led to increasingly vibrant and artistic versions of gyotaku prints, capturing the beauty of fish in their natural, printed state.
Artists continue to experiment, using transfer film for a more painstaking process or applying mounted pieces to plastic or wood for modern interpretations. Videos produced by gyotaku artists frequently provide insight into each step, from pressing the inked subject to framing the final image. Gyotaku classes are available for those who want to learn about the history of gyotaku and how to create prints. Gyotaku art bridges old and new, allowing both tradition and innovation to thrive on every canvas, fabric, and wall.
Conclusion
Gyotaku remains a vibrant and meaningful art form, continuing to fascinate artists and collectors with its history, technique, and the connection it makes between human creativity and the natural world. Many contemporary gyotaku artists emphasize sustainability and conservation in their practices, ensuring that the art form aligns with modern environmental values. The use of gyotaku does not involve wasting fish, as fish used for printing can be consumed by anglers or sold to local restaurants. Whether painted on soft rice paper, mounted on canvas, or displayed in a gallery, gyotaku prints honor both tradition and artistic innovation. By regularly exploring new color mediums, surfaces, and creative processes, artists ensure this remarkable printmaking tradition remains as lively and important as ever.
