Focus on art toys: history, artists and collection

Before being shown in galleries, the art toy began as an experimental gesture. It was a way for artists to reclaim a manufactured object and turn it into a creative platform. Here’s a look back at how it evolved.

Origins and genesis of the movement

The history of designer toys begins in the late 1990s, particularly in Hong Kong and Japan. Creators such as Michael Lau and Eric So transformed the traditional figurine into an artistic medium. They drew inspiration from skate culture, hip hop, manga, and the street.

Around the same time in Japan, the company Medicom Toy introduced the Bearbrick, which quickly became an iconic model. This modular bear figure soon turned into a platform for collaboration between artists, brands, and designers. Each version - black, white, red, or multicolored - became a space for experimentation.

Gradually, these figures moved beyond the simple status of collectible toys and entered the world of urban vinyl. They were produced in limited edition, sometimes numbered, sometimes signed. Their rarity created desirability.

During this period, we saw the emergence of:

• The Dunny by Kidrobot
• Qee toys
• Early collaborations between artists and manufacturers
• An international community of collectors

The art toy became a real cultural phenomenon, especially in the United States, in cities like New York, and later across Europe.

The shift toward contemporary art

In reality, the turning point came when galleries began to take interest.

Artists coming from street art and pop culture, such as Ron English, integrated their work into broader reflections on consumer society. The figures became miniature sculptures - sometimes critical, sometimes ironic.

Gradually, art toys entered the contemporary art ecosystem: dedicated exhibitions, collaborations with international galleries, presence in specialized concept stores, and inclusion in private collections.

Artists such as Takashi Murakami, whose work brings together Japanese tradition and global pop culture, contributed to this recognition. The toy became an extension of their practice — a three-dimensional variation of a universe already present in painting or print.

This transition from toy to artwork is not insignificant. It reflects a shift in perception.

Collecting means acknowledging that the material (often vinyl) can carry a genuine artistic vision. The art toy is no longer a marginal object. It has become a recognized element of the contemporary cultural landscape.

An art toy can be a first step toward building a broader contemporary art collection. But knowing where to begin is essential.

Define your collecting goal

Before making any purchase, ask yourself a simple question: why do you want to collect art toys? Is it for aesthetic passion, for a specific designer’s universe, for an interest in urban culture and street art, or as part of a collection of contemporary objects?

Clarifying your intention will help guide your choices and avoid impulsive decisions. Collecting art toys means placing each piece within a personal narrative.

Criteria for selecting a piece

When looking at a figurine, several elements deserve your attention:

• The mention of a limited edition
• The name of the artist or designer
• The series number
• The original packaging
• Its coherence within your existing collection

The unit price can vary significantly depending on rarity and the creator’s reputation. A signed piece or one created as part of a specific collaboration will often hold greater value than a widely produced model.

Take your time to observe. Compare versions. Look into the year of creation and its context.

A few tips for beginners

To enter the world of art toys with confidence:

• Start with a piece that genuinely resonates with you
• Follow artists and designers through their official channels
• Explore exhibitions and dedicated events
• Stay informed about market trends before purchasing

In the end, patience is your strongest ally. Your eye develops over time. Gradually build a dialogue between works, series, and artistic universes.

What are the prices for art toys?

An art toy can be an accessible entry point into collecting, or it can become a more sought-after piece on the secondary market. There is a wide range of prices.

Prices generally fall into three main categories:

• Entry-level collecting: smaller figurines produced in series, often in vinyl. The regular price may start at a few hundred euros.
• Mid-range: limited edition models, specific collaborations, numbered series. The unit price increases depending on rarity.
• Rare or exhibition pieces: very limited versions, sometimes custom or signed. Some reach high levels on the secondary market.

Several factors shape the value of an art toy: the rarity of the series, the artist’s reputation, the condition of the piece, its resale history. The price does not simply reflect material or size. It reflects a position within an artistic ecosystem, a level of demand, and recognition.