What paper is used for gyotaku?
The gyotaku method of printmaking uses fish, sea creatures, or similar subjects as its ‘printing plates’. Prints were made using sumi ink and washi paper.
What do I need for gyotaku?
The basics of gyotaku are simple: Take a newly dead fish and paint it on one side. Then take a piece of fabric, rice paper or even a T-shirt, and place it on the painted side of the fish, and rub the material so that the paint is transferred to the material. Remove the material from the fish and—voilà!
What does gyotaku mean in Japanese?
fish
In Japan, a particular type of nature-oriented printing technique emerged in the 19th century. Gyotaku, which literally translates into “fish” (gyo) and “rubbing” (taku), is an art that produces imprints of fish through the method of rubbing.
Why was gyotaku created?
Gyotaku is a traditional form of Japanese art that began over 100 years ago as a way for fishermen to keep a record of the fish they caught. They would apply sumi ink to one side of a freshly caught fish, then cover the fish with rice paper and rub to create an exact image of the fish.
What are the two words that make up the word gyotaku?
The word Gyotaku itself is a combination of two separate words – Gyo, which means ‘fish’, and Taku, which means rubbing.
What is a gyotaku print?
About 100 years ago in Japan, fishermen created gyotaku prints to record their prized catches. Gyotaku is created by pressing rice paper onto a fish covered with ink or paint. Artist Naoki Hayashi began making gyotaku prints at age 11. Since then he has refined and mastered his unique gyotaku process.
What is a Shoji?
In its modern usage, shoji is the term used to refer specifically to translucent paper coverings. The contemporary usage isn’t far from the original, as the paper coverings act as a screen, covering things like doors and windows — obstructions, in other words! Shoji don’t obstruct entirely, however.
What is the difference between Shoji and writing paper?
Usually this is a plain grid form, but sometimes include very elaborate carvings and lattices. Shoji paper is thicker than writing paper, but as paper it is still a little fragile and difficult to repair. If you accidentally poke more than a small hole in it, the paper would usually need to be replaced.
What are shoji screens made of?
The main component of shoji screens is, of course, the paper covering, which is composed of the Japanese-style washi paper (for more information see What is Japanese Washi Paper? All You Need to Know ). Traditionally, washi is made of Japanese mulberry trees or shrubs.