Fighting with an Octopus: Print of a Wood Carving. "A 'Pus In Da Pot: Round 2"

Originally a wood carved sculpture by an unknown artist, the print was captured in 1897 using the hand-colored albumen silver printing process by the Japanese photographer, printer, and publisher Ogawa Kazumasa (1860-1929). Kazumasa was a pioneer in photomechanical printing and photography during the Japanese Meiji era. The original print currently resides in the J. Paul Getty Museum collection in Los Angeles, California. 

Round 1 of "A 'Pus in Da Pot" was an epic, real life battle that occurred between Steven Rinella and a Giant Pacific octopus in the coastal waters of Southeast, Alaska. The octopus, using the element of surprise, hitched a ride on a shrimp pot being pulled to the surface where, once in range, the octopus ambushed those on board the small vessel while trying to escape with his cache of shrimp. Steve successfully countered the ambush and in the subsequent battle ended up plunging a gaff into the giant creature which it absorbed effortlessly due to its enormous size and strength. The skirmish ended as suddenly as it had begun with the octopus retreating to the cold, dark depths where now, with the gaff in his possession, plots his revenge on Steve and the small vessel.  

The scene found in this wood carving and print is an imagining, perhaps foreshadowing of "A 'Pus in Da Pot: Round 2". A bit of time has elapsed since the first encounter as a more advanced age is apparent on both warriors. The octopus has been plotting for years, while Steve has remained vigilant, ever-ready for that fateful day.

• Fine, artist-grade cotton canvas.
• High image quality and detail.
• Hanging hooks pre-installed. 
• Indoor use only.
• Soft rubber dots provide support and stability for hanging.
• Printed using non-hazardous, non-toxic, non-flammable latex inks.
• Radiata pine frame sourced from FSC certified renewable forests.