Gyotaku: The ancient Japanese art of printing fish - K. Erica Dodge

Summary

Gyotaku, an ancient Japanese art born before photography, originated as a practical way for fishermen to record species and size of prized catches. Fishermen painted non-toxic sumi-e ink onto fish and pressed rice paper to capture an impression; by the mid-1800s artists began adding eyes and embellishments. A notable patron, Lord Sakai, popularized the practice during the Edo period, though it later waned and has since been revived as a beloved art form. Modern Gyotaku artists prepare and pin the fish, clean it, then use either an indirect (pasted paper) or direct (paint then press) printing technique, finishing each piece with a signature chop.

Takeaways

• 🎣 Gyotaku is the traditional Japanese art of fish printing, originally used to record trophy catches before photography existed.
• 🐟 The word 'Gyotaku' comes from Japanese: 'Gyo' meaning fish and 'taku' meaning impression.
• 📜 This practice began over 100 years ago when fishermen needed a way to document the size and species of their catches.
• 🖌️ Fishermen would paint the fish with non-toxic sumi-e ink and press rice paper onto it to make a print.
• 🌊 Early Gyotaku prints were purely for record-keeping and lacked decorative details or color.
• 👁️ In the mid-1800s, artists began adding eyes and artistic embellishments to make the prints more expressive.
• 🏯 Lord Sakai, a nobleman during Japan’s Edo period, popularized Gyotaku by commissioning fish prints to commemorate his large catches.
• 📉 After the Edo period, Gyotaku declined in popularity but later reemerged as a respected art form.
• 🍀 Modern Gyotaku is said to bring good luck to fishermen and is now practiced as an art form worldwide.
• 🖼️ Two main techniques exist: the indirect method (using rice paste and silk-covered cotton balls to apply ink) and the direct method (painting directly on the fish).
• ✍️ Each print is unique, and artists finish their work by signing it with a personal chop or stamp to mark authenticity.
• 📏 The tradition allows fishermen to proudly say, 'The fish was exactly this big!' while preserving both memory and artistry.

Q & A

What is Gyotaku and where did it originate?

Gyotaku is an ancient Japanese art form of printing fish, developed by fishermen as a way to record their trophy catches before photography existed. The term 'Gyotaku' comes from 'Gyo' meaning fish and 'taku' meaning impression.

Why did Japanese fishermen develop Gyotaku?

Japanese fishermen developed Gyotaku to record the species and size of the fish they caught. This was especially important before photography was available to document large or significant catches.

How did early Gyotaku prints differ from modern ones?

Early Gyotaku prints were simple, with no additional details apart from the basic outline of the fish. It wasn’t until the mid-1800s that artists began adding details such as eyes and other embellishments.

What materials did early Japanese fishermen use to create Gyotaku prints?

Fishermen used non-toxic sumi-e ink, rice paper, and brushes to create the initial prints. They would ink the fish and then press it onto the rice paper to leave an impression.

What role did Lord Sakai play in the history of Gyotaku?

Lord Sakai, an avid fisherman, commissioned a fisherman to print his large catch of a red sea bream. This sparked a trend, with other fishermen bringing their Gyotaku prints to him for approval, leading to the display of prints in the palace during the Edo period.

What is the significance of Gyotaku prints in modern times?

Today, Gyotaku is a popular art form enjoyed by many. These prints are believed to bring good luck to fishermen and are often created as a way to preserve memories of their catches.

What is the indirect method of Gyotaku printing?

In the indirect method, moist fabric or paper is applied to the fish using rice paste. The artist then uses a tompo, a cotton ball covered in silk, to apply ink and create the print.

What is the direct method of Gyotaku printing?

In the direct method, the artist paints ink directly onto the fish and then presses moist fabric or paper onto the fish to create the print.

What are the key differences between the indirect and direct methods of Gyotaku printing?

The indirect method involves applying fabric or paper to the fish first, followed by inking, while the direct method involves painting the fish directly with ink before pressing the paper onto it. The indirect method requires more skill and care to avoid tearing the paper.

How does an artist sign their Gyotaku print?

After the print is made, the artist uses a chop, or a stamp, to sign their work, which is often done to commemorate the catch, symbolizing 'The fish was exactly this big!'