Bearbrick Figures

What are Bearbrick figures?

Bearbrick figures are one of the most recognisable Japanese lines of collectible toys. The name joins the words bear and brick, which captures the angular, blocky silhouette of the character perfectly. They are known for striking design and a huge range of collaborations with all kinds of brands, which has earned them the status of a pop-culture icon and a target for collectors.

A short history

Bearbrick arrived on the market in 2001 courtesy of Medicom Toy, a company already known for another figure line - Kubrick. After the enthusiastic reception of earlier projects, the team decided to create a new series with a futuristic bear. The idea caught on fast, and Bearbrick - released in limited runs - became a collector gem that draws the attention of artists and celebrities alike.

Standout themes and types

Bearbrick owe their lasting popularity in part to the sheer variety of designs. The figures appear in many lines and series, often referencing:

The big worlds of pop culture: films, games, comics and music,

Collaborations with giants of fashion and design: such as Disney, Marvel or Nike,

Artistic concepts: developed by outstanding designers and graphic artists.

On top of that, collectors can choose between different sizes - from tiny, few-centimetre pieces (50%) up to almost metre-tall figures at 1000%.

Facts behind a global phenomenon

High prices on the resale market
Some limited edition Bearbrick reach staggering sums among collectors.

Collaborations with stars
The list of artists and designers involved includes Pharrell Williams and Kanye West.

Presence in exhibitions
Bearbrick figures are sometimes shown in art galleries, which further underlines their status in the art toy world.

Bearbrick is not just a toy but an important part of contemporary visual culture and design. The mix of a minimalist shape, creative design work and unusual collaborations keeps their popularity high, and the collector market keeps drawing in more and more fans.