Original Gyotaku OGY005

Description

Original Gyotaku Art.

Title: Mackerel and Seaweed

Original Art mounted and framed.

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

Gyotaku is an ancient Japanese fish printing technique, dating back to the mid-1800s. “Gyo” means fish, and “taku” means rubbing or pressing. Originating as a way for Japanese fishermen to record and identify their catches, Gyotaku evolved into an art form. Fishermen would coat the fish with Sumi ink, cover it with Washi paper, and rub the paper to transfer the image. When the paper was lifted, it revealed a mirror image of the fish. Legend has it that a Japanese Emperor, fond of fishing, wanted to showcase his prized catches and commissioned artists to enhance the Gyotaku prints with colour, adding an artistic flair. Traditionally, Gyotaku art features the artist’s signature in the form of a Japanese Hanko stamp.