In Xiangshan, a coastal county in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province on the eastern coast of the Chinese mainland, fish rubbing is a tradition that has been cherished for centuries. Back in the day, fishermen hadn’t quite mastered papercutting or calligraphy for Spring Festival couplets, the traditional decorations used to send New Year wishes. Instead, they innovatively used ink extracted from cuttlefish on dead fish and laid red paper over it to \"print\" the fish. According to Lu Shenggui, a local inheritor of this technique, this method served as a creative substitute for the traditional couplets.
Today, fish rubbing has evolved into a vibrant form of art. Modern artists use propylene as a type of dye and are also developing more environmentally friendly vegetable dyes. This technique beautifully captures every detail of the fish, from scales and fins to their overall shapes, transforming them into lifelike impressions and enduring artworks. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, fish rubbing symbolizes the deep connection between coastal communities and the sea. 🌊🐠
Lu Shenggui now frequently visits a local kindergarten to teach fish rubbing to children, encouraging them to create imaginative fish prints. This not only preserves the tradition but also sparks creativity in the younger generation, ensuring that this unique art form continues to thrive.
