These days the word “flush” is usually followed by “toilet.” The meaning “hand of cards all of one suit” comes from Old French flus, from which we also have the word flux, which refers to “continuous succession of changes,” which aptly describes the painting.

人生ひっくり返すには、蛸が一杯いるだけだ ( Jinsei hikkuri kaesuniwa, takoga ippai irudakeda) means “It only takes one octopus to turn your life upside-down.” The octopus is much like Shiva, that multi-arm Hindu god who destroys, clearing the way for recreation and transformation.

I am again indebted to Kunisada and Utamaro for the images of the queen. A Diver Combing Her Hair — 髪梳く海女 is one of my favourite prints: the pattern on the diver’s clothing combines sea urchins and kelp. Instead of using nishijin (brocade) for the borders, I recycled some shibori fabric from old kimonos. It has a bumpy texture, not unlike the skin of the giant Pacific octopus.