Gyotaku

Common card · No. 277403

Gyotaku (魚拓; from gyo 'fish' + taku 'stone impression', fish print(ing)) is the traditional Japanese method of printing fish, a practice which dates back to the mid-1800s. This form of nature printing, where ink is applied to a fish which is then pressed onto paper, was used by fishermen to record their catches, but has also become an art form of its own. The gyotaku method of printmaking uses fish, sea creatures, or similar subjects as its "printing plates". Prints are made using sumi ink and washi paper. It is rumored that samurai would settle fishing competitions using gyotaku prints. This original form of gyotaku, as a recording method for fishermen, is still utilized today, and can be seen hanging in tackle shops in Japan.

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