Design: based on a concept by Katsushika Hokusai

Size: 11 cm by 15.5 cm | Enlargement

'Gift Pack' Version: Price: $30.00 - includes gift wrapping, and post and packing anywhere in the world, via airmail |

Some years ago, I found a few fish prints in a dealer’s shop, and although they were said to be by Hokusai, well ... we’ll never really know for sure. Old-time publishers adapted and used ‘found’ designs to make new prints, and as there are no copyright issues with such old work, I thought I too would use one of those fish to create a new print. I ‘transplanted’ the carp from the bed of water plants that he was nestled in, floated him in space and then added a background of sumi-nagashi pattern, just for fun.

A special feature of this kind of print is the way that the printed lines get embossed into the paper. To see this in the way that the viewers of past eras did, one must turn off any overhead lighting and hold the print near a window or lamp. The light falling horizontally across the print will then highlight the embossments and allow the full texture of the beautiful Japanese paper to be enjoyed.

That is the way it would have been appreciated back in the pre-electric 'old days,' and you can experience a momentary 'time slip' as you enjoy the sensation of the blend of delicate pigments and wonderful Japanese washi.