Framed Gyotaku impression taken from a Herring

Gyotaku is the art of printing from the surface of fish. Originally practiced in Japan, it is now quite popular in coastal locations across the world reflecting the local sea life. Herring are abundant in the UK waters at certain times of the year. I bought this herring from my local fishmonger.

Ink is applied to the surface of the fish and then a fine, Chinese paper is laid over the top and pressed gently. By doing this an impression of the fish is taken. Once dry, the eye is hand painted in. The final stage is Urauchi. This is to make the print flat and suitable for framing. A thin glue is pasted on to the back of the print and then a second sheet of paper is laminated to it. Once dry the two are as one and I stamp and sign the work.

This print is supplied in a recycled frame for which I am not charging. It's really just a vehicle for the print.

shipping within the UK is included and I'm happy to answer questions if you have any. Thanks for looking. Jane