Introduction to Gyotaku

Part of the Heritage Museum of Asian Art’s Beginner Art Class Series

Discover the traditional Japanese art of Gyotaku (魚拓 — fish printing), an age-old technique of creating detailed ink impressions from real fish. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll explore its history, learn the step-by-step process, and make your own stunning prints to take home.

No prior experience is needed.

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About the Instructor

Robert Chenoweth “Gyotaku is more than just a printing technique; it’s a way to connect with nature and capture the beauty of aquatic life.”

Robert Chenoweth has been teaching Gyotaku for over eight years, with his works exhibited in galleries across the Midwest. Known for his distinctive Gyotaku collection, he is an innovator in the art form, having developed an inkless printing method that produces vibrant, detailed images—without the mess of traditional inks.

A member of the Nature Printing Society, the Japanese Arts Society of America, and the East Asian Arts Group, Robert travels nationwide to promote and share the tradition of Gyotaku.

The workshop takes place during the pop-up exhibition Gyotaku: Impressions of the Sea, on view from September 28 to October 5, 2025. Organized by Robert Chenoweth in collaboration with the Heritage Museum of Asian Art and the Japanese Culture Center, the exhibition showcases works by Gyotaku Master Dwight Hwang, renowned for preserving the authenticity and artistry of this traditional Japanese practice.

Gyotaku 魚拓

Gyotaku, which translates to “fish impression,” is a traditional Japanese art form that dates back to the mid-19th century during Japan’s Edo period. Originally, fishermen used this technique to create accurate records of their prized catches before the invention of photography. By applying sumi ink directly to the fish’s surface and pressing it onto paper or fabric, they produced life-sized, detailed impressions that documented not only the fish’s size and shape, but also its unique markings and patterns.

Over time, Gyotaku evolved from a practical record-keeping method into a respected art form. Artists began experimenting with composition, color, and printing surfaces, transforming these scientific imprints into expressive works of art. There are two primary styles of Gyotaku:

• Direct Printing (Chokusetsu-ho) — Ink is applied directly to the fish, and paper or fabric is pressed onto it to create a true-to-life print.

• Indirect Printing (Kansetsu-ho) — A softer, more painterly approach where paper is first laid over the fish, and ink or pigment is brushed onto the surface, allowing for subtle shading and refined detail.

Gyotaku is celebrated for its ability to capture the intricate textures, scales, and natural beauty of aquatic life, often preserving a moment of connection between the artist and the subject. In modern practice, artists may incorporate water-based paints, colored inks, or even “inkless” methods to achieve vibrant, archival-quality prints while respecting conservation practices.

Today, Gyotaku is practiced worldwide as both a cultural tradition and a contemporary art form. It bridges the worlds of natural history, fine art, and environmental awareness—inviting viewers to appreciate not just the image of the fish, but the stories and ecosystems it represents.

Work Highlights