New World Transparent Specimens - Iori Tomita

Japanese artist Iori Tomita transforms the scientific technique of preserving and dying organism specimens into an art form with his series, 'shinsekai [toumei hyouhon]' ('new world transparent specimens'). Tomita began experimenting with the preservation and staining of fish while working as a fisherman, gradually developing his mastery of the nuances of the process necessary for refining the form and colour of the pieces. for each specimen, tomita first removes the scales and skin of fish that have been preserved in formaldehyde. He leaves the organism to soak in a mixture of blue stain, ethyl alcohol, and glacial acetic acid before utilizing the enzyme trypsin to break down protein and muscles, stopping the reaction as soon as they become transparent but before they lose their form. The bones are then stained by soaking the fish in a combination of potassium hydroxide and red dye, before the specimen is preserved in glycerin.

Transparent specimens ? they are far from what you might imagine from the word “specimens.” Although being organisms, they appear as if they were beautifully sculpted from minerals.


Originally, the method of making transparent specimens ? enzymatically turning the protein transparent, dyeing the bones magenta and dyeing the cartilages blue ? was established for scientific purposes to study the skeletal system. Taking this a step further to refine the form and coloration of the specimens requires time and experience.


I create transparent specimens as pieces of work that help people feel closer to the wonders of life.



People may look at my specimens as an academic material, a piece of art, or even an entrance to philosophy. There is no limitation to how you interpret their meaning.
I hope you will find my work as a “lens” to project a new image, a new world that you’ve never seen before.



Please enjoy the beautiful and wondrous world of “New World Transparent Specimens.”

【Display / Storage】

Display or store specimens at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. To maintain the initial transparency and color, it is recommended to keep the specimens in a cool and dark condition. Avoid heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. However, placing the specimens under direct sunlight for up to a few weeks will not cause degradation. Please keep out of the reach of small children.

Changes over time】

Color of the specimen may change over years or decades. Just like every specimen has its own unique form and color, the changes that occur over time is also unique to every specimen. I hope you perceive the changes as one of its individual features.

Safety in handling】

The specimens are immersed in glycerin. Glycerin itself is a harmless substance often found in soaps. A small amount of preservative is added to the glycerin to prevent contamination. If the glycerin solution gets onto your hand or eyes, wash away well with water. If swallowed, consult a physician.


The containers holding the specimens have a tight seal. However, they are not completely airtight, and placing the container on its side for a long time may cause the glycerin solution to leak out. Please keep the container in an upright position.


Increase in temperature or air pressure may cause the glycerin to expand and leak out of the container. In case of leakage, wash or wipe away the glycerin and retighten the lid.

【In case of spillage】

If the container breaks and the glycerin solution inside is lost, you may complement with glycerin sold at local drug stores. However, store-bought glycerin may not be as pure, and its adequacy for long-term storage is not guaranteed. Even upon request, I cannot provide you with glycerin solution alone.

【Terms of use】

Use of specimens or photographs of specimens for commercial purposes without prior permission is strictly prohibited.
I do not hold any responsibility for any trouble caused by the personal use of specimens.