Gyotaku: Japanese Fish Printing
There are two methods of printing from a fish. The indirect method (kansetsu-ho) involves molding wet paper directly onto the fish, carefully tamping it down so that it will pick up all the details, then letting it dry. The paper itself then becomes the plate. The second method is called chokusetsu-ho. It is faster and easier to make multiple images with this technique. First, the fish must be fresh, clean, and dry (frozen fish may also be used). Remove the slimy residue from the fish's scales with salt, vinegar, or alcohol. Lay the fish on a flat surface and gently fan out the fins and tail. Lumps of plasticene clay can be placed under the fins and tail to elevate them. Apply watercolor, sumi ink, or water-based printing inks directly to the fish with a soft brush, sponge, or foam brayer. Finally, place a sheet of paper over the inked fish. Hold the paper with one hand at the fish's middle section. With the other hand, gently press the paper so that it comes into contact with the entire inked surface, especially the fins and tail. Then peel back the paper to reveal a mirror image of the fish.
There are two methods of fish printing:
1. Chokusetsu-ho
2. Must be clean and dry.
3. Clean slimy substance from scales with salt and vinegar, alcohol, or squeeze a lemon over it and gently wipe. Be very careful of the scales.
4. Lay fish on dry surface.
5. Slowly and gently fan out any fins or tail.
6. Plasticene clay may be placed under these to raise them, allow for better printing surface, and to hold the mouth open. You can hold it down by pushing straight pins into the clay.
7. Apply any type of water-based ink to the fish with soft brush, sponge, or a foam brush.
8. Apply gently but in all directions. Use a brush for some of the harder-to-define areas such as lips, etc.
9. Place the paper over the inked fish hold with one hand so it does not move and gently press the paper down over the entire fish making sure you have pressed all parts.
10. Peel back the paper slowly starting at one end and continuing across.
11. Get an adult to help, or have the students work in pairs, as it is good to have someone hold onto the fish so it does not slip or slide.
12. When you look at your print if you see a smudge it means either the paper or fish slipped.
13. If you see a blank spot it means you either did not ink well or did not press hard enough to transfer the ink.
Kansetsu-ho
1. Indirect method of printing.
2. Much more difficult and takes a great deal of practice to perfect the process.
3. Involves pressing wet paper onto the fish.
4. Press it carefully to pick up all the images.
5. You are actually molding the image of the fish.
6. Remove it carefully letting it dry.
- Use it as the plate from which to obtain your image.