Early work of Hiroto Norikane from the Fugu fish lantern series: ふぐちょうちん (提灯) Fugu chochin - Fugu fish lantern 1978, huge print 71 x57 cm, mixed media, mezzotint/copperplate etching and woodblock printed, with pigments applied.
Printed on thick, laid paper. Artist's red hanko seal and signature. Dated indecipherable, either 1978 or 1988 (The Fugu Fishe series is from the 70-80ies)
"Fugu" (pufferfish) has been known for the deadly tetrodotoxin. It is up to 1,200 times more poisonous than cyanide. There is enough toxin in one pufferfish to kill 30 adult humans, and there is no known antidote. Despite this fact, some pufferfish, especially wild "tora-fugu", is considered an expensive delicacy. It has to be prepared only by trained, licensed "fugu" chefs. Its skin, liver and some internal organs are carefully removed in order not to contaminate the flesh. Many deaths occur annually by eating badly prepared "fugu" dish but apparently the reputation for the "deadly delicacy" is only fueling the popularity of consumption of this fish.
The artist is most known for his cats series. Landscapes, cats and fugu fish were his main subjects. Highly appreciated among collectors especially for his printing techniques, zinc/copperplate etching providing a much crisp and clear line. The ink and pigments used in this early print were very thick, one can feel the paint with one's fingers.
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Condition: the print was framed with a thick wooden frame for many years which resulted in foxing on the edges that were in contact with the wood. But the image itself has no damage. Any damage can be seen in photos..
Mention: the print takes a completely different life if looked at in the light (from the back). The colors are more vibrant and the background textures can be seen. The image is very crisp.
