Gyotaku: Japanese for fish (gyo) and rubbing (taku)

Pronounced gee-oh-tah-ku, this is a traditional form of Japanese fish printing dating back to the mid 1800’s. Easy to do, kids love it, and the results are impressive. Using a dead fish, fresh or frozen flat, or better yet, a rubber fish model, apply a coat of paint on the fish, thoroughly coating it. Apply rice paper or any thin paper to the top of the fish and press firmly with your fingertips to coat the bottom side of the paper with paint. Each print will be unique, and worthy of framing!

Submitted by Sophie Barbier