The word “expensive” comes to mind when it comes to rare art. The most intriguing, rare, and expensive Bearbrick figurines in the world are one-of-a-kind creations that will end up in carefully guarded private collections. However, once they hit the market, they command exorbitant rates. We look at ten of the most expensive Bearbrick figures in this article.
1. The beginning of Bearbrick
Medicom Toy, a Japanese firm best renowned for its plastic figures, designed and produced BE@RBRICKS. The company was founded in 1996 with the goal of producing limited edition figures and licensed merchandise. Bearbrick is the ‘bear’ that has become a huge figure in both the fashion and art worlds. The bearbrick is a brilliant design that seamlessly combines the simplicity of a plastic toy with the aesthetic impact of modern art and dynamic stylish fashion.
Bearbrick, also known as BE@RBRICK, is a one-of-a-kind vinyl toy that has become one of the most coveted collectibles since its release over 20 years ago. Despite being a simple plastic toy, bearbrick has been used by some of the world’s most prestigious fashion firms and designers to display their latest designs and initiatives.
The plastic bear figurine is valuable to collectors despite its low price. Furthermore, some of these are auctioned for tens of thousands of dollars. This is why it’s been dubbed “a collector toy for adults” by American singer Joe Hahn.
Bearbrick has become one of the most well-known and sought-after brands in the world since its debut. While most toy figurines are designed for youngsters, these bear-like items have appealed to a more sophisticated audience. The fact that each Bearbrick edition is unique in terms of design. It has become something of a trophy for these reasons, coveted by many yet held by a select few.
1.1. How big are Bearbricks?
Bearbricks are available in four distinct sizes:
- The smallest figures, known as 100%, measure approximately 2.75 inches.
- The 200% size follows, standing at around 6 inches.
- The 400% Bearbrick, which is the most frequently traded on StockX, is 11 inches tall.
- The largest version, the 1000% Bearbrick, is 27.5 inches high.
As the size of the Bearbrick increases, so does its cost.
1.2. Why is Bearbrick so famous?
While it is hard to pinpoint the precise elements that have made Bearbrick such a cultural icon, one evident factor is Medicom Toy’s success in partnering with leading names in the worlds of fashion, art, music, design, and film. These collaborations have introduced Bearbrick to diverse audiences, creating a figure that appeals to virtually everyone.
Bearbrick’s Series 44 collection, released in July 2022, offers figures that celebrate a variety of influential figures and entities, including renowned artists Jackson Pollock and Jean-Michel Basquiat, Marvel Cinematic Universe characters, Disney film classics, music icons like The Rolling Stones, and prestigious fashion brands like Fragment Design, Kith, BAPE, et cetera.
2. Why Is Bearbrick So Expensive?
The aesthetic appeal of Bearbricks is undeniable, and their cost is equally notable. Do you know what makes bearbrick expensive? Let’s explore Janbox’s detailed analysis.
2.1. Different sizes
Bearbrick is a trend in which toy collectors offer and create high-value items. These bears are categorized according to their size; the first and most common Bearbrick size is 70mm (100%). This is the foundation for subsequent designs, which are separated into 50% (lowest) and 1000% (highest).
Bearbricks are incredibly expensive and in limited supply, therefore only the true “Richkid” can indulge in this pastime.
2.2. Limited quantities
The number of these toys is extremely restricted, and collecting them necessitates a great deal of dignity in addition to money. Each 50% (35mm) version comes in its own box, and the customer will have no way of knowing which of the 12 models is printed on the cap.
Each of the 24 boxes is sold once in the summer and once in the winter. As a result, collecting the entire set is quite tough, and it has become a trend for collectors to go on the seek models they don’t have.
2.3. Including well-known brands
Bearbrick has become a new and increasingly popular phenomenon by cooperating with well-known companies like Bape, KITH, Chanel, Marvel, and top artists such as Daft Punk. It grew in popularity and became a high-end toy for the wealthy.
Aside from these lucky numbers, the following publications are the hardest to obtain: Gifts, promotional goods, and other models that will not be made accessible to the general public…
2.4. Values in the arts and cultures
At the intersection of art, fashion, culture, and fun, Bearbrick has accomplished the near-impossible. Everyone, regardless of gender or age, has been charmed by the simple and familiar design. Although limited production methods keep the mania alive, it’s the collabs that propel Bearbrick forward.
Bearbrick is incredibly rare, and it has led the path for other companies to release limited-edition toys and items. Small pieces have become an indisputable fixture in the realm of streetwear, and they are destined to last. That is all reasons why Bearbrick costs hundreds of dollars now.
>> Read more: Where to buy Bearbrick online in Japan?
III. Top 20 Most Expensive Bearbricks
After giving some general information about Bearbrick why expensive and how big it is, Janbox will list the top 20 most valuable Bearbricks in the information section below. Let’s explore and find out which one is the most expensive Bearbrick in the world!
3.1. Bearbrick x Marvel Ironman Mark 85 – Price: $4,950
Marvel’s Iron Man in his Mark 85 armor from the film continues Medicom Toy’s Avengers: Endgame Bearbrick Series! The Aveners: Endgame Iron Man Mark 85 Armor Bearbrick comes as a 400% and 100% Be@rbrick 2 Pack that stands 11″ and 3″ tall, respectively. The price of BE@RBRICK X MARVEL IRONMAN MARK 85 1000% is around $4,950.
3.2. Bearbrick CLOT x Nike – Price: $1,245
The “Black Silk” 1000% BE@RBRICK and “Black Silk” 1000 percent BE@RBRICK + Air Force 1 set, are priced at $985 and $1,245. The 1000% BE@RBRICK contains a removable “Black Silk” outer layer that reveals a “Royale University Blue Silk” covering, conveying the idea of externalism and internalism while being true to your inner self. A “Rose Gold Silk” basis can be found after removing the two layers. The limited-edition product comes packaged in a matching “Black Silk” shoebox.
3.3. KAWS Dissected Bearbrick – Price: $10,000
KAWS, an American artist, is known for designing one-of-a-kind character designs that have been made into sculptures and other works of art all around the world, the most famous of which is his Companions series of clown-like characters with qualities resembling Mickey Mouse.
In the KAWS Dissected 1000% Bearbrick lineup, Kaws collaborates with Bearbrick using his Companions. It’s one of the few Bearbricks with separate designs for each half of the Bearbrick’s body, with one half depicting the outside of the Companions and the other a “dissected” half depicting their internal organs. There are three hues available right now: black, brown, and grey, with 1000% versions costing anything from $9,000 to $14,000.
3.4. Swarovski x Colette “White Crystal Christmas” – Price: $17,000
One of Colette’s Bearbrick collaborations, this bear was featured at Colette’s “White Crystal Christmas” event, and her special was undoubtedly a chic Swarovski crystal top. Furthermore, the 400% version is included with the 1000% version. This bear has a selling price of roughly $17,000.
3.5. Sorayama x Daniel Arsham Bearbrick – Price: $7,500
Daniel Arsham and Hajime Sorayama are two painters that have worked with Kim Jones at Dior and have gone over into the fashion world. This Bearbrick partnership physically combined Arsham’s eroding aesthetics with Sorayama’s extraterrestrial robot illustrations, resulting in a one-of-a-kind and extremely expensive Bearbrick figure.
This sculpture was created to celebrate the opening of the NAZUKA 2G gallery in Tokyo, which opened with a show exhibiting Arsham and Sorayama’s joint artworks. Despite its unassuming appearance, this bearbrick has been resold numerous times. As a result, the price is steadily increasing. It now claims to be worth about $7,500.
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3.6. Readymade x A Bathing Ape Bearbrick – Price: $17,000
For this popular Bearbrick collaboration in 2018, Readymade teamed up with A Bathing Ape and Medicom Toy. Although several BAPE Bearbricks have been launched with the brand’s iconic “Shark” sweatshirts, this Readymade collaboration is unique in that an actual BAPE hoodie was created just for this figure. On some online stores, the lowest asking price for this item is now roughly $17,000.
3.7. Karimoku Walnut Wood 1000% Bearbrick – Price: $6,200
The selling price of this bearbrick, which was released in 2013, is now $6,200, and it has been steadily climbing since then. Medicom Toy has collaborated twice with Karimoku, a Japanese furniture maker, to create handcrafted wooden Bearbrick models. Bearbrick was built of wood and manufactured by Japanese artisans in their first partnership.
3.8. Coco Chanel Bearbrick – Price: $74,999
In 2007, famed French fashion designer Coco Chanel was immortalized in her own Bearbrick for a charity auction by another renowned designer, Karl Lagerfield. As a result, this one-of-a-kind Bearbrick was created in her likeness.
The Coco Chanel 1000 percent Bearbrick is difficult to find in markets and auctions because it was designed for a one-time event and was never replicated. Its rarity is reflected in its price, which has continuously risen over the years and is now valued at $74,999 online!
3.9. The Contemporary Fix x Sense Stainless Steel Bearbrick 1000% – Price: $58,000
This bearbrick weighed 14kg and was made of stainless steel. Back in 2009, the retail price was £34,000 (roughly $58,000). This figurine is highly sought after among die-hard Bearbrick collectors, as it was created by the minds of boutique The Contemporary Fix and SENSE Magazine to mark SENSE’s 9th anniversary.
3.10. Yue Minjun “QIU TU” 1000% Bearbrick – Price: $160,000
Yue Minjun designed this Bearbrick in 2008 to honor Chinese artists and use his unique art form. Minjun’s artwork of himself with the look of frozen laughing is depicted in the figure, which has a wide-open gaping mouth and a cheery demeanor. Yue Minjun is one of China’s most well-known artists, which no doubt contributed to the Bearbrick’s exorbitant price. It was sold at auction for a whopping $160,000, making it one of the most expensive Bearbricks in the world ever sold.
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3.11. Bearbrick My First Bearbrick Baby Space Version 1000% – Last sale $15,985
The Bearbrick market is often unpredictable, with prices that can soar unexpectedly. This 1000% Bearbrick that sold for between $3,000 and $5,000 last year fetched almost $16,000 on StockX in March. The 1000% “My First Bearbrick Baby” toys, regardless of color, generally sell for thousands on StockX.
The My First Bearbrick Baby collection was initiated by Chiaki Fujimoto, a Japanese star celebrated for her acting, singing, and baby clothing design. In 2007, she began her collaboration with Medicom Toy Company, creating these see-through Bearbricks designed to resemble baby rattles. The “space” colorway, featuring a unique hydroprint, was made to mark the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing.
3.12. Bearbrick Royal Selangor Tiger 1000% Silver – Last sale $13,660
The Bearbrick Royal Selangor Tiger 1000% Silver is a dazzling collectible that brings the well-known Bearbrick design to life in a striking silver shade. This extraordinary figure is a standout that is bound to appeal to any art or toy collector.
Whether showcased in a display or placed as a centerpiece, this unique figurine is a must-have for anyone who values creativity and skilled craftsmanship.
3.13. KAWS Originalfake 6th Anniversary Bearbrick 1000% – Last sale $12,800
KAWS commemorated the 6th anniversary of his popular streetwear label OriginalFake by launching a unique 1000% Bearbrick. This edition features a monogram-style interpretation of his iconic “Chompers” design, which has been a prominent feature in KAWS’ collaborations with brands such as BAPE.
The unique characteristic of this Bearbrick is that the KAWS Chomper monogram is printed on a fabric piece with a zipper, allowing it to be removed for washing. This special edition was sold only at Ambush, Singapore. Several months after its release, OriginalFake ceased operations in 2013.
3.14. Bearbrick Kaws Chomper 1000% – Last sale $12,673
One of the most popular Bearbrick designs by KAWS, the 2003 KAWS Chomper Bearbrick, is also one of the most expensive bear figures sold in recent years. Collectors are particularly keen on this piece because it was released exclusively at A-Nation, the annual music festival run by Japan’s Avex record label.
Supposedly, just 500 of these Bearbricks were ever manufactured, and nearly twenty years later, it’s anyone’s guess how many remain. It is hardly surprising anymore that KAWS’ art toys are highly coveted in the collecting world. The OriginalFake dissected “Companion” figures, which appeared in music videos like Drake’s “Tootsie Slide,” are also among the most desired by Bearbrick and KAWS collectors.
3.15. Bearbrick x BAPE x Levi’s 1000% – Last sale $11,432
A highly sought-after piece, the Bearbrick x BAPE x Levi’s 1000% is the result of an exceptional collaboration among three famous brands: Bearbrick, BAPE (A Bathing Ape), and Levi’s.
This Bearbrick showcases a unique combination of BAPE’s recognizable camo pattern with Levi’s iconic denim style, making it a favorite among streetwear fans and toy collectors alike.
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3.16. Bearbrick x Karimoku Brick Style Tiles 1000% – Last sale $10,829
The Bearbrick Karimoku Brick Style Tiles 1000% stands out as a unique collectible with its signature Bearbrick shape and an innovative brick-style pattern. The detailed design adds a lifelike quality to the figure that is sure to attract attention. Produced with superior materials, the figurine features a rich wood-grain finish, highlighting the natural allure of the wood.
3.17. Bearbrick x KAWS Original Fake x Nexus 7 Karimoku 400% Black Wood – Last sale $10,000
Born from the creative collaboration of Medicom Toy, Kaws, and Karimoku in 2007, this one-of-a-kind Bearbrick is a truly spectacular piece.
3.18. Bearbrick x Karimoku Crack Paint 1000% – Last sale $9,370
Undeniably, the Karimoku Bearbrick 1000% Crack Paint stands out as one of the most visually stunning Bearbricks in the Karimoku series.
3.19. Bearbrick SORAYAMA x Daniel Arsham 1000% – Last sale $8,896
Both Hajime Sorayama and Daniel Arsham, artists with a strong presence in fashion, have collaborated with Dior’s Kim Jones. Their Bearbrick partnership uniquely combines Arsham’s signature erosion style with Sorayama’s imaginative robot illustrations. This piece was launched to celebrate the opening of the NAZUKA 2G gallery in Tokyo, which premiered with a collection of collaborative works by the two artists.
3.20. Bearbrick x KAWS Bearbrick Dissected 1000% Brown – Last sale $8,880
Featuring Kaws’s most iconic creation, Companion, this Bearbrick figure stands out with its unique design. The right side is opened up, allowing a view of the interior, which is painted in vivid and bright colors. The intestines, liver, lungs, and brain are shown in uncharacteristically bold hues, adding a distinctive touch to the figure.
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Conclusion
The influence of Bearbrick on streetwear is undeniable. It has paved the road for other manufacturers to introduce their own limited-edition products and toys, thanks to its limited-edition and uncommon things. These expensive bearbrick figurines have become an indisputable mainstay in the world of streetwear, and they’re not going away anytime soon.
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