Enchanting Gyotaku

In the footsteps of traditional nature printing.

Wonders of nature printing

An ancient Asian method of printing fish has been the inspiration behind the artwork in our art prints, calendars and gift cards.

In Japan there’s a long tradition of using a method known as Gyotaku to document the fishermen’s catch. In this method ink is applied directly on the natural subject, which is then rubbed on—or pressed against—washi paper to create an image.

Images made with gyotaku are at the same time rough and sketch-like, and faithful to nature in all its delicate detail.

The poster collection inspired by the gyotaku method. Nature printing shows beautifully the scales of the Zander and delicate features of the Goat willow branch.

The cover art of our yearly calendars and always delightful Gift Cards have also illustrations made with the method of nature printing.

For Teemu, gyotaku is a natural and exciting way to record a catch. It’s all part of a unique and beneficent, personal nature experience.

The method captures fishes and plants extremely delicately, repeating even the tiniest little details such as fish scales, and stems and veins of a plant. In gyotaku I use the same Japanese sumi ink that I also use with my reed pen illustrations.

This ancient Asian printing method is such a fascinating way to record memories and experiences in the wilderness. The end result with gyotaku printing resembles a fossil or a cave painting.