David Bowie Shapeshifting Comparison "Kidomaru" (Aladdin Sane) Ukiyo-e- Limited Edition of 200 Print

David Bowie x Ukiyo-e Project In homage to the artist and his relationship with Japan. Understanding the special connection that David Bowie had with Japan, his love for Japanese culture, and the creative relationship with Japan that formed from his early years, it has been suggested that David Bowie’s Ziggie Stardust look was inspired by the Japanese Kabuki theatre aesthetic, along with his kimono fashion, and with numerous other examples of the close creative relationship that he had with Japan. Kidomaru was a legendary Japanese sorcerer, with supernatural strength and power. Stories about him originated during the Kamakura period and have been the subject of many ukiyo-e ever since. Here, Bowie is depicted as Kidomaru- juxtaposing his mystic charisma, that puts any audience under his spell, to Kidomaru’s extraordinary power and wizardry. The white kimono echoes the white background of the album Aladdin Sane, from which this work is inspired, while the black gradation references nightfall, which is when Kidomaru’s stories are usually set. Craftsmen: Ukiyo-e creation requires three highly skilled artisans Illustrator: Ishikawa Masumi Wood Carver: Sato Nami Printer: Nakayama Makoto Limited Edition As the prints are all handmade, and to maintain the finest quality, only 200 prints will be made. Material: Washi, a traditionally hand-made Japanese Paper “Echizen kizuki housho”. In addition to the illustrator, woodcarver, and printer, there is an additional craftsman behind the scenes. This “Echizen kizuki housho” is made by Shouhachi Yamaguchi in Fukui Prefecture. This Washi maker in Fukui has a history of 1500 years. Washi was used for preserving documents in the age of the samurai. The Washi is made of all natural fibers from the mulberry tree, allowing it to be very durable. Ukiyo-e would not have its form unless the Artisans had this Washi paper. There are only 2 Washi craftsmen left to make this Echizen kizuki housho, and our provider is a certified national treasure of Japan. Maintenance and Preservation Over time, the color will fade, which is part of the ukiyo-e experience. Keep the ukiyo-e out of direct sunlight, strong ultraviolet sources, and high humidity. Once the artwork is received, remove the folio from the plastic sheath to let it breathe. *Attention - Each work is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. - Edition numbers will be chosen randomly. - Each piece is created by hand, therefore, they may all have subtle differences in size and colour between them. For this reason, at UKIYO-E PROJECT every print is considered unique, aligned with the Edo period philosophy that each ukiyo-e is an “original” piece of work. - They will be packaged and sent in a specially designed folio. - The artwork is sold unframed.