Original Gyotaku OGY001

Description

Original Gyotaku Art.

Gyotaku Trout.

Original Art mounted and framed.

Black painted frame. Size: 53cm x 43cm.

Gyotaku is an ancient Japanese fish printing method, dating back to the mid-1800s. “Gyo” means fish, and “taku” means rubbing or pressing. This form of nature printing, which predates photography, was initially a way for Japanese fishermen to record and identify their catches. It eventually evolved into an art form. Fish were coated with Sumi ink, and Washi paper was placed over them and rubbed. When the paper was lifted, it revealed a reverse impression of the fish. Legend has it that a Japanese Emperor, fond of fishing, wanted to showcase his prized catches and commissioned artists to add color to the Gyotaku prints, thus introducing an artistic flair. Traditionally, Gyotaku art features the artist’s signature Japanese Hanko stamp.