GYOTAKU

Gyotaku is a traditional printmaking practice originating in Japan in the early 1800s as a way of documenting fish species and size before the invention of the modern day camera.

Non toxic carbon based ink is brushed over the fish using hake brushes made from goat hair. Traditional washi (paper) or cotton are then layed over the fish then rubbed and an impression is created. The eyes and small tonal details are added with a brush to finish the work which becomes uniquely original in it’s own right.

The fish can then be washed off and cleaned in preparation for eating, extending the full utilization of the fish into art.

  • Tāmure (snapper)

  • Pātiki tōtara (yellowbelly flounder)

  • Tarakihi

  • Rough Skate

  • Witch

  • kohikohi (trumpeter)

  • Lookdown Dory

  • Moonfish

  • Hokarari (ling)