When Iori Tomita being creating his transparent specimens, he did it for merely scientific reasons. Specifically, to allow for easier study of their skeletal systems. Now, however, they have taken on a much more significant role for the Japanese scientist: to help people feel closer to the wonders of life. The specimens come to be through a process combining both old world taxidermy and new world science. Tomita begins by taking specimens which have been preserved in formaldehyde and removes their scales and skin. Next, he soaks them in a dye which stains the bones magenta and cartilage blue. Timing is important, as they must be soaked and then removed at just the right time, or the specimen will lose it’s form. And while the steps may be few, the effort required is not; each specimen takes between 5 months to a year to complete. Iori states that some view his transparent specimens as art, some as academic material, and some even as an entrance to philosophy, but all that matters to him is that all see it as entrance to a new, never before seen world. View more of Tomita’s specimens at his website.
Source: Iori Tomita via Wired
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