Tomotsu Yoshida (Japanese, b. 1947). "Egg and Raw Ink Fish" painting on board, n.d. Artist's signature stamp on lower left. A fascinating painting depicting an ink fish accompanied by six eggs. Ink fish, including octopus, squid, and sepia (aka cuttlefish) are tentacled ocean cephalopods that have fascinated marine biologists as well as gourmet chefs for centuries. These elegant sea creatures release ink into water as a means of distracting and escaping their predators. Each species creates ink of slightly different hues; octopuses produce black ink, squid produce blue-black ink, and cuttlefish produce brown ink. In addition, some squirt ink to coat their eggs and camouflage them from predators. Notice that some of the eggs in this painting are brown; perhaps this is a result of the release of ink from the ink fish. A special painting of this magnificent creature and its eggs, set behind glass in an attractive custom frame. Size (sight view): 12.75" L x 20.5" W (32.4 cm x 52.1 cm) Size (frame): 20.25" L x 28.1" W (51.4 cm x 71.4 cm)

Provenance: ex-private Bishop Family Trust collection, the Trust of the late Bill Bishop, a noted antiquarian with shops in Scottsdale, Arizona and Allenspark, Colorado, USA, acquired before 2010

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#174466

Artist's signature stamp at lower left. Painting has not been examined outside glass. Appears to be very nice overall save slight stain at lower right that is difficult to see. Frame shows some stains and scuffs but is otherwise very nice as well and is fit with a suspension cord. Label on verso with identification information.