About Gyotaku History Gyotaku (gyo meaning “fish” and taku meaning “rubbing” or "impression") is a traditional form of Japanese fish printing. Dating from the mid 1800s, Japanese fishermen created prints to record or preserve bragging rights of the size of their prized catches. The Process of Fish Rubbing In order to make a gyotaku (pronounced ghee-oh-tah-koo) print, the fish is positioned as it would appear in life.  Next sumi ink is applied to one side and a sheet of rice paper is carefully applied on top of the fish and then pulled off creating a mirror image of the fish.  Modern artists use a very fine fabric and acrylic paints in lieu of ink and paper.  Only the fish’s eye may be painted by hand.  Each rubbing is unique and no two prints will be exactly the same.  A highly detailed image is created reflecting a true life-like image of the fish. Home * About Gyotaku * About The Artist * Gallery * Contact