The creation of ukiyo-e involves three artisans; the illustrator, the woodcarver, and the printer. The two David Bowie ukiyo-e were released in the summer of 2018 in a limited edition of 200, after 6 months of work and printing over 30 layers of color apiece.

The washi (Japanese paper) used is a specific type of paper called Echizen Kisuki Bousho that is both strong and supple. These qualities are inevitable for printing ukiyo-e as one single paper undergoes over 30 print passes, with the printer pressing firmly with his baren (printing pad) to transfer the ink from woodblock to paper. Echizen Kisuki Bousho is handcrafted in Fukui prefecture and has been used for ukiyo-e and Japanese paintings for over 300 years.

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