Pura Vida Gyotaku
By Jimmy Downing
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What is gyotaku?
Gyotaku (pronounced gyo-tah-koo) is a traditional Japanese method of printing real fish onto paper or fabric, dating back to the 1800s. Originally used by fishermen to record their biggest catches, today it has become a rare and elegant form of nature-inspired fine art.
Unlike photographs or replicas, Gyotaku preserves the real size, texture, and subtle details of the fish. It’s a moment frozen in ink—raw, real, and beautiful.
Your Catch, Immortalized.
Experience the ancient Japanese art of Gyotaku—reborn in Costa Rica. Every piece is handmade, one-of-a-kind, and crafted to honor both the fish and the memory.
The Soul Behind the Ink
Pura Vida Gyotaku is the passion project of Jimmy Downing, born and raised in the coastal town of Playas del Coco, Costa Rica. With roots in fishing, a love for Japanese culture, and zero formal art training, Jimmy carved his own artistic path—one fish at a time.
From humble beginnings printing with dinosaur toys and acrylic paint, to now working with imported rice paper and traditional techniques, his journey reflects pure dedication and a deep respect for nature. Every print is a personal tribute, a story of connection between the sea and the soul.
Every fish has a story. It’s my honor to preserve it
The Ultimate Trophy
You earned it! The fight, the focus, the perfect catch. Now imagine turning that moment into a trophy that doesn’t just hang, it tells a story.
Gyotaku captures the true size, shape, and spirit of your fish in striking detail, creating an heirloom-worthy piece that honors the catch without sacrificing the meal.
No taxidermy, no replicas, just your fish, your win, your legacy preserved in art.
A trophy that lives on your wall and still made it to your plate.
