What is gyotaku?

Gyotaku is a traditional Japanese method of printing fish that dates back to the mid 1800s.

The word can be broken into two parts, with "gyo" meaning fish and "taku" meaning rubbing. Fisherman originally used this method to record their catch. Prints are traditionally made using sumi ink and washi paper.

I recently learned about this method and have just began experimenting with the process myself. So far I have had mixed results and it will take quite a bit more practice before I attain the results that I would like.

Bluegill Gyotaku