新世界「透明標本」 – New World Transparent Specimens is an exhibition composed of specimens created using a preservation and dyeing technique typically used for scientific purposes to examine the skeletal system.
Tomita uses an enzyme to dissolve the natural proteins in the soft tissue. He then injects magenta dyes into the bones and blue dyes into the cartilages, highlighting the usually unseen internal structures. The creature is then preserved in a jar of glycerin.
Some of Tomita’s smaller specimens (fish, shrimp and squid) can actually be purchased in a few stores in Japan, but the larger specimens (lizards, birds and turtles) are only available in his exhibitions.
He has also published two books: [新世界]透明標本“New World Transparent Specimens” with descriptions of over 50 species and 透明な沈黙 “Toumei na Chimmoku” with more stunning photographs woven together with the words of philosopher Wittgenstein.
Read and see more stunning creations on Tomita’s website!
[via gakuranman]
These transparent specimens reminded me of David’s fetal monkey!
Wow wow wow!!! So pretty!