Gyotaku
Blending the lines between Art and Science

Contact Karen at karenchadwick95@yahoo.com for Prices and Availability

Click here to view Gyotaku images

History
Gyo=fish taku=rubbing

The story is that in the early 1800’s an old samurai fisherman caught a
large fish and tossed it up on the riverbank onto the mud. He later
wrapped it in paper or cloth to take to the market in the village. When
he unwrapped the fish he noticed a detailed impression of the fish
remained on the paper from the mud. Soon after scientific records began
to be produced detailing the sizes and unique characteristics of many
species of the ocean. (Kalani Lickle )

Materials
Rice
paper Fish (buy rubber fish www.dickblick.com)
Sumi ink (acrylic paint can also be used)
Paper towels
Paint Brush Alcohol
Oil based clay Straight pins
Foam core board Black pen
Brown paper Plastic cups

Process
1. Cover table with protective paper.
2. Wash whole fish and dry with paper towels.
3. Place fish on foam core board.
4. Place oil based clay under fins and pin fins into extended position. Do not let pin heads stick up higher than fin surface.
5. Wipe fish with alcohol using paper towels.
6. Brush ink onto fish. Do not paint the eye.
7. Blot excess ink off of fish using a paper towel. Make sure excess ink is removed from foam board.
8. Position rice paper over fish rough side of paper down against fish.
9. Press paper onto fish until all areas are printed. Do not let the paper move.
10. Lift paper off of fish, allow to dry and draw in the eye and other details.