GyoTaku: a bit of background history

Gyo: fish, Taku: print.

Carmen Ruiz, a GyoTaku artist, made her first fish print in 1991 and she was hooked!!! GyoTaku is a Japanese term used as a general expression for the unique artistic method of obtaining a print or impression of a fish. The oldest GyoTaku now in existence was made in 1862 and it is housed at the Homma Museum in Sakata, Yamagata, Japan. Technically a monoprint, this traditional practice that dates back to the mid 1800's is a unique direct printmaking method that has been widely used in the Orient to preserve a true record or documentation of a fish caught in a contest.

Today, GyoTaku is practiced to obtain an artistic representation of a fish. The GyoTaku realistic results are accomplished by applying ink directly on the fish and then using the fish as a printing block. Carmen uses a seashell from the sea of Japan along with the Japanese words for GyoTaku as her "chops" or signature and registered mark.

These one-of-a-kind GyoTaku fish prints are made with non-toxic inks and they are printed on 100% cottons. Carmen's GyoTaku fish prints are machine washable. Enjoy!