The Koi fish is by nature of a Chinese derivation but the propagation of the species had been widely adopted by the Japanese. This Japanese carp comes in various colors which are indeed appealing to the eyes. Most Japanese believe in the luck brought about by the Koi fish pet cared for in the homes as they greatly associate this kind of fish species with the goldfish. Through time, the Koi fish has been used in several applications such as in the world of tattooing and art fields.

When someone who is familiar with the phrase “Japanese fish art” gets to hear it being mentioned by anyone, the first thing that hits his mind is a vivid image of a Koi fish embodied in berets and wearing some paints onto their fins. Japanese Koi fish art is much popular in painting rather with that of the sculpture so the latter must be dropped out of the question. One of the processes that make the Japanese Koi fish art possible is called as the Gyotaku. It is all about the printmaking art that employs real Koi fish.

Literally, the term Gyotaku connotes “fish rubbing”. In its deeper sense, such procedure includes the step of painting a fish in whatever motion and direction and thus making an impression of that painted fish. With the exception of the part wherein a live and real fish is used, the Gyotaku is so much unlike of the wood block printing.

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