Museum Saturday GYOTAKU “FISH RUBBINGS” Adults Workshop

This workshop is fully booked, please email denise@rupertmuseum.org to be on the waiting list. 

Hundreds of years ago Japanese fishermen wanted some proof to take home of the size of the fish that they’d caught. They fished carp for sport, not for eating, so they released the fishes that they’d caught back into the water.

Some started to place the rice paper from their sandwiches over the fish and gently rub an imprint of the wet fish onto the paper. At least it showed the head and tail, so an idea of size was possible. Then they started to add some stain or mud or harmless watercolour to their water. Some beautiful fish rubbings started materialising and soon it became an art form. Today Gyotaku is still practiced as art. Just Google it and see the weird and wonderful rubbings that people make.

Of course we won’t use live fish, but we’ll be using frozen fish bought from a fishmonger. Any fish is possible to print, but those with scales and rugged fins print better.

It’s acceptable to add the eye afterwards, as the eye tends to become a black blob when rubbed. It’s also acceptable to add some hand colouring afterwards. There are no strict rules. You’re going to start with the basics of the tradition, but then progress to experiment and to add your own flair to your artworks.

Each attendee will be able to print at least two works.

What to bring? Please bring OLD CLOTHES; you WILL get dirty! The fish and the rest will be supplied.

Also bring your best smile and sense of adventure. This is going to be unforgettable.

Limited seats available, book now. Please make sure you make a separate booking for each person.