Gyotaku Fish Prints

Gyotaku is a Japanese fish printing art created by the warlords in the early 1800’s using rice paper and natural berry inks to preserve exact sizes of prized catches. The rubbings were used to prove these records as this was pre photography times in that area. The warlords would compete with each other and needed some way to record the fish as well as honoring the fish itself. The first printing was done with only one color just to prove size and species but at some point evolved to more colors to bring out a more artful rendition of the subject.

Warren uses mulberry papery as it comes in a variety of colors and will not bleed or run. He also uses an acrylic paint as it is non toxic so the freshly caught fish is recorded, washed off, filleted and safely consumed.

All the prints listed below are replicas. Prints and home decor are printed and sold through Pixels. The calendars are purchased through Warren’s Etsy shop. Originals Gyotaku Art can be found in limited availabilities in California and Colorado. Send Warren an email if you have any questions.