Gyotaku is the Japanese art of fish printing. The practice, which dates back to the mid-1800s, originated from fishermen recording their catch but has since become a craft of its own. Ink made from pine soot is applied directly to the subject then overlayed with rice paper and gently pressed, producing highly detailed images with shape, texture, even delicate vein and scale patterns. Pacific Gyotaku specializes in this traditional process with a focus on freshwater fish, plants and animals of the Pacific Northwest.