This print features Itō Jakuchū's 'Octopus and Fish', a vibrant example of Ukiyo-e art. The two-panel composition showcases a variety of sea creatures rendered with fine detail and delicate colour.

Itō Jakuchū (1716-1800) was a Japanese painter of the mid-Edo period, known for his detailed and unconventional depictions of flora and fauna. Though he employed traditional methods, Jakuchū's style was highly individual, often incorporating a playful and inventive approach to composition and subject matter. He produced many works in series, such as the 'Colorful Realm of Living Beings'. 'Octopus and Fish' exemplifies Jakuchū's distinctive style. The composition is divided into two panels, each teeming with various sea creatures. An octopus dominates the right panel, its tentacles gracefully winding among the fish. The fish themselves are rendered with careful attention to detail, each species distinct in form and colour. The background is a muted green, providing a neutral space that allows the figures to come forward. The artist's skill is evident in the precise brushwork and the delicate gradations of colour, which bring the aquatic life to life.