What is the meaning of gyotaku?
Gyotaku is a traditional form of Japanese art that began over 100 years ago as a way for fishermen to keep a record of the fish they caught. They would apply sumi ink to one side of a freshly caught fish, then cover the fish with rice paper and rub to create an exact image of the fish.
What are the 2 methods of doing gyotaku?
Gyotaku has two methods – direct and indirect. The direct method is faster than the indirect method, and produces a series of different images. Ink or paint is applied to the fish before a sheet of paper is placed on top and pressed gently to pick up the details. The paper is then peeled back, producing a mirror image.
When were gyotaku invented?
19th century Japan
Fishing for fine art: Gyotaku, the art of making inked prints from real fish, originated in 19th century Japan.
Who made gyotaku?
Artist Naoki Hayashi
Gyotaku is created by pressing rice paper onto a fish covered with ink or paint. Artist Naoki Hayashi began making gyotaku prints at age 11. Since then he has refined and mastered his unique gyotaku process. Each of Naoki’s gyotaku pieces is created using non-toxic acrylic paints and Japanese shoji paper.
What type of printmaking is gyotaku?
Gyotaku (魚拓, from gyo “fish” + taku “stone impression”) is the traditional Japanese method of printing fish, a practice which dates back to the mid-1800s. This form of nature printing was used by fishermen to record their catches, but has also become an art form of its own.
What paint do you use for gyotaku?
I use water-based, nontoxic acrylic paint so the fish can still be consumed after printing (after washing the paint off, of course). It’s inexpensive, easy to use, and found in regular paint and hobby shops. Add water to thin it. Japanese sumi or india ink is commonly used.
What is gyotaku?
Gyotaku is created by pressing rice paper onto a fish covered with ink or paint. Artist Naoki Hayashi began making gyotaku prints at age 11. Since then he has refined and mastered his unique gyotaku process. Each of Naoki’s gyotaku pieces is created using non-toxic acrylic paints and Japanese shoji paper.
What is transfer gyotaku?
Tensha-ho, or transfer gyotaku, is a lesser known and used technique. It was developed when the objective of the printing was to create the image on a hard surface such as wood, leather, plastic or even the wall of a dwelling.
What does the Japanese word Taku mean in English?
However, the original kanji character for ‘TAKU’ means ‘PRESS,’ and that didn’t suggest anything about food. It also wasn’t original. The traditional “GYOTAKU” kanji conjures up the image of fishing supplies or deep sea fishing tours to the people of Japan.”