Gyotaku

Gyotaku is a traditional Japanese art form to record natural history particularly fish that dates back to the 1700s. The art form is even still practiced today by sportsmen. There are two ways to make these prints. One way is to cover one side of the fish with ink and then place the paper on top then remove. The other way is to place the paper on the fish first and then add the ink with a small blotter.

They make excellent decorations to any home or office. I plan to add one to mine one day, in fact I asked my father if he could find one when he goes to Japan in September. I'm not sure if he'll find one but I asked him if he comes across one to get it. I've been researching how to make one and maybe someday I'll record my catches. The only problem with that is that it requires you to keep the fish. Perhaps I'll do it to carp as no one cares if one keeps carp.