How to Make a Fish Print

Gyotaku

The Japanese art form known as Gyotaku, meaning fish rubbing (gyo = fish, taku = rubbing), is an extension of the ancient Oriental technique of stone rubbings. Stone rubbing developed in China along with the invention of paper to transfer detailed designs from relief surfaces. Like its ancestor, Gyotaku is both useful and artistic. Japanese fisherman display prints of their exceptional catches, tackle shops use them as advertisements, and scientists print fish to obtain detailed morphological information.

1. After putting ink in the tray, fill the roller with ink.

2. Completely cover the fish with ink. You do not want the roller too saturated with ink. You are putting ink on the raised portions of the fish and on the edges. The fish should look glossy when you have enough ink on it.

3. Gently lay a clean sheet of paper over the inked fish. Press down and rub over the entire mold so that the ink transfers to the paper. BE CAREFUL not to move the paper during the rubbing process or you will get a double or blurred image.

4. Gently lift the paper off of the mold.

5. Your finished print should look very COOL! Don't be afraid to experiment. Sometimes it is more interesting if not all of the mold has ink or you don't rub on all areas.

HAVE FUN