21 Gorgeous Free Japanese Woodblock Fish Prints for Art Lovers

Explore a stunning collection of free Japanese woodblock fish prints. These prints are perfect for art lovers, interior designers, DIY crafters, and artistic references.

If you’re an aficionado of Japanese art and design, you’re in for a treat! These exquisite prints, all in the public domain and free to download, come from various famous Japanese woodblock artists.

Why You’ll Love These Fish Prints

On Picture Box Blue, we already feature popular Japanese design prints from the Shin Bijutsukai and woodblock prints of birds and flowers by Kono Bairei. Now, we’re adding a splash of aquatic elegance with these beautiful fish prints!

Whether you’re a fan of fish prints or looking for something new, these woodblock fish prints offer a fun and unique alternative. Don’t forget that we also have the Louis Renard fish collection, a favourite among our visitors.

Fish hold significant cultural and artistic value as a subject in Japanese woodblock prints. These prints, often detailed and vibrant, reflect Japan’s deep connection with the sea and its bounty.

In Japanese culture, fish symbolize abundance, prosperity, and good fortune, making them a favourite in art. Their detailed depiction in woodblock prints highlights the artists’ skill in capturing natural beauty and movement, adding to the charm and mastery of ukiyo-e art.

Perfect for Interiors, DIY Crafts, and Artistic Reference

These prints are great resources for interior decoration, DIY crafts, and artistic reference. Imagine them framed on your wall, used in a creative project, or used as inspiration for your artwork. The possibilities are endless!

Click on the title above the Japanese woodblock fish print you want, and a higher-resolution image will appear in a new tab. You can then save or print this image.

Woodblock Prints 1-6

Fish Print 1: Carp Swimming Among Waterweeds

Surimono by Katsushika Taito II. Japan, probably 1832. From the collection at the Chester Beatty Library Ireland.

Katsushika Taito II was a standout Japanese ukiyo-e artist and a talented student of the legendary Hokusai. Renowned for his detailed and vibrant woodblock prints, especially of fish, Taito II’s work captures the beauty of nature with stunning precision.

Fish Print 2: Koinobori

Koinobori are Japanese fish-shaped windsock. This print is from the famous “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo” by Utagawa Hiroshige.

This woodblock series showcases Hiroshige’s exceptional artistry and vividly documents Edo’s landscapes, architecture, and daily life in the mid-19th century. These prints provide valuable insights into the urban and natural environments of the time, making them an essential resource for understanding Japan’s historical and cultural evolution. Additionally, Hiroshige’s work influenced many Western artists, contributing to the global appreciation of Japanese art.

Fish Print 3: Kuniyoshi Utagawa, Stingrays

Kuniyoshi Utagawa was renowned for his vivid and imaginative depictions of legendary samurai and mythical creatures. He often incorporated intricate details and a sense of movement to bring his scenes to life.

His innovative use of Western perspective and shading techniques set his work apart, making him a pioneer in bridging Eastern and Western art styles.

Fish Print 4: Two Carp Katsushika Hokusai, 1831

Katsushika Hokusai was a legendary Japanese ukiyo-e artist best known for his iconic print “The Great Wave off Kanagawa.” His work, characterized by bold lines and vibrant colours, profoundly influenced Japanese and Western art, making him a pivotal figure in art history.

Fish Print 5: Carp Swimming up a Waterfall

Print by Yashima Gakutei from about 1830. His works often combined elegant illustrations with exquisite calligraphy, showcasing his unique ability to blend visual and literary art forms.

Utagawa Hiroshige Every Variety of Fish 7-13

“Every Variety of Fish” (Sakana dukushi) by Utagawa Hiroshige is a dazzling dive into Japan’s aquatic life. With each print, Hiroshige masterfully showcases different fish species.

These vibrant works flaunt his artistry and celebrate fish as symbols of prosperity and abundance in Japanese culture. It’s a vivid underwater journey through Japan’s rich marine biodiversity, all captured in Hiroshige’s signature style.

Fish Print 6: Yellow & Blue Fish

Japanese Woodblock Fish Print 7

Fish with cherry buds.

Woodblock Fish Print 8

Horse mackerel with shrimp.

Woodblock Fish Print 9

Fish with Bamboo Shoots and Berries

Woodblock Fish Print 10

Bora Fish with Camellia.

Woodblock Fish Print 11

School of Trout

Woodblock Fish Print 12 Fugu and Inada Fish

Fish Print 13: Shimadai and Ainame Fish

Woodblock Prints 14-21

Fish Print 14- Koi by Keisai Eisen

Keisai Eisen was a standout ukiyo-e artist best known for his captivating portraits of Edo’s beauties. Born in 1790, Eisen brought to life the stylish, vibrant world of courtesans and actors, offering a glimpse into the fashionable nightlife of the Edo period.

Fish Print 15: Saitō Oniwakamaru on a Carp

“Saitō Oniwakamaru on a Carp” by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi is a dramatic and visually striking woodblock print. Created by Yoshitoshi, a master of the ukiyo-e tradition, this artwork depicts the legendary figure Oniwakamaru (the young Benkei) riding a giant carp.

Oniwakamaru, later known as Benkei, is legendary in Japanese folklore. As a young monk, he was known for his immense strength and fierce fighting skills.

Fish Print 16: Katsushika Taito II – Carp and Waterweeds

Woodblock Print 17: Gold-Fish in a Glass Bottle – Totoya Hokkei

Woodblock Fish Print 18

This is a still-life print of tuna carp and an octopus. In this collection of vintage octopus illustrations, you will find more Japanese woodblock prints of octopuses.

Woodblock Fish 19: Boy with Carp

Check out this further collection of Utagawa Kuniyoshi woodblock prints.

Woodblock 20: Banners for the boys’ festival

Another one of Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s prints.

Woodblock Fish Print 21: Koi Pond

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi, one of the last great ukiyo-e masters, was famed for his dramatic and emotive prints. His woodblock print of koi is a standout, capturing the elegance and strength of these iconic fish.

Known for symbolizing perseverance in Japanese culture, the koi in Yoshitoshi’s work are brought to life with dynamic movement and vivid detail. This print perfectly exemplifies Yoshitoshi’s knack for blending traditional themes with a fresh, lively style.

Print 22: Utagawa Yoshikazu Eighty-Eight Fish

Utagawa Yoshikazu’s print featuring 88 fish showcases a stunning variety of species in one intricate composition. Each fish is depicted with precise detail, making the artwork visually striking and celebrating Japan’s marine life.

Conclusion and Other Related Prints

We hope you enjoy these beautiful Japanese woodblock fish prints! Don’t forget to explore the rest of Picture Box Blue for a treasure trove of vintage Japanese prints, from old maps of Japan to traditional Japanese patterns.

If you’re a sea life enthusiast, check out our blog section featuring Adolphe Millot’s amazing sea life and fish posters, stunning coral reef illustrations, and Ernst Haeckel’s mesmerizing jellyfish. Also, there are some wonderful Japanese woodblock prints of seashells to explore.

Check out our guide on printing onto watercolour paper for a truly special touch.

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