Gyotaku

This original form of gyotaku, as a recording method for fishermen, is still utilized today, and can be seen hanging in tackle shops in Japan.

Frequently, the work includes a red seal (chop) and/or some kanji calligraphy indicating the artist's name and information, or important subject matter.

Similarly, nature prints evolved in the western world beginning as a functional process and later becoming an art form.

When rubbed by hand or run through a printing press, a mirror image was produced of the topside and underside of the same leaf.

The subsequent prints, with fainter traces of ink, were hand colored to more closely resemble the appearance of the real subjects.