Gyotaku, or Japanese fish printing, was originally used to record and commemorate a fisherman's catch. Chokusetsu-ho, or the direct style, is the most similar to the original methodology.

Not only can this method result in a fine art print or a pleasing illustration, but can also be used for fish identification and record keeping.

This Gyotaku print was made from a Pacific Strawberry Grouper, or red hind (Cephalopholis spiloparaea) acquired in California.

The print was taken directly from the fish , using black oil based block printing ink. Color was then added to the body of the fish by applying transparent color washes to the back of the print. Then the eye was painted in with oil based inks.

The background was then created on a separate piece of Washi, with paper dyes and wet mounted to a stretched canvas.
Finally, the tinted fish print was wet mounted over the background and canvas, signed and sealed.

The original is wet mounted on Gallery wrapped canvas, unframed.

Reproduction rights are available.