The Cape from Japan. Illustrated Art Print.
The Cape from Japan. Inspired by Japanese art.
The wearing of exotic, spacey, Japan-inspired outfits by Bowie-as-alien Ziggy Stardust put Japonism centre stage in the fashion scene of the West, placing a seal of approval on inspirations from Japan, which in the early ’70s was still considered an indecipherable, alien nation.
What do the letters on the cape mean? Well, folklore has it that Bowie jokingly said that it meant "Get your potatoes here". However, each of the Chinese letters (Chinese letters were utilized in the Japanese language when Japan didn't have letters in ancient times) actually means (from upper to lower): "exit" or "out", "fire", "breath out" or "puke", "wild" or "riot", "force". But as words they mean nothing! The letters should be pronounced (again upper to lower); "De" "Vi" (vi of video) "To" (to of tomato) "Bow" "I" and so they really read "David Bowie"! or alternately can be read as: "The man who vomits and fires out provocative words threatening violently"....
Product Info & Sizes
Matte Prints on 250gsm thick paper.
Fine art Giclee Prints on 300gsm thick paper available. (I love this, as the archival inks enhance the colours, on light texture)
A5: 5.8 x 8.3in A4: 8.27 x 11.7in
A3: 11.7 x 16.5in A2: 16.5 x 23.4in
Shipping & Returns
Please allow 8-10 days for dispatch. For urgent orders, please message me, I'll try my best to expedite.
Shipping: Within UK : Royal Mail First Class Rest of the World: Royal Mail Tracked. (10 days - 20+ days depending on the country's customs)
Please note that prints are not framed. Please be aware that colours may vary slightly from what you see on your screen, depending on your monitor settings.
Giclee prints are printed on organic 100% cotton paper. Due to the nature of the paper, there are occasional grains and specks in the texture.
