160,000 Swiss francs for a plastic bear? The phenomenon of coveted Bearbricks

A new pop culture hype surrounds Bearbrick teddy bears : Collectors are willing to spend up to 160,000 Swiss francs on the cute plastic bears. What's behind the phenomenon of these painted plastic sculptures?

The art world is constantly evolving. While classical sculptures were once the most popular form of three-dimensional art, today we are seeing a trend towards modern alternatives (such as art toys street art and pop culture particularly evident here.

A highly topical example is Bearbricks from the Japanese company Medicom Toy , which are increasingly being used to display traditional and modern artworks. Bearbricks featuring motifs by prominent artists such as Keith Haring , Andy Warhol , Jean-Michel Basquiat , and Romero Britto are enjoying a surge in popularity.

The 1000% format (70 cm high) is a modern alternative to traditional sculptures for collectors and enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the 400% format (28 cm high) valued as a decorative element for display cases and shelves. Numerous celebrities and art collectors have already recognized this trend and are acquiring Bearbricks as prized pieces for their own collections. DJ Bob Sinclair is one of them.

What makes the plastic bears so popular?

The enthusiasm for Bearbrick teddy bears taps into several themes that streetwear culture truly loves: rarity, collectability, and branding. At the same time, teddy bears have firmly established themselves within the streetwear scene.

Ben Yang is one of the most well-known Bearbrick collectors. He told GQ magazine :

I don't know what possessed me. I just thought they were cool! I was like, 'I'm not going to have five or six, bro.' I've got to have 50 of these things in the house.' There's no point in doing anything else

The Bearbrick perfectly captures a strange side of streetwear: it taps into the childlike love of collecting and the sometimes accidental branding that comes with it. It's a toy for adults.

That's why the Bearbrick has been reinterpreted by brands like Chanel , Hermès, Comme des Garçons, Bape, Undercover, Sacai, and Fragment , as well as by artists like KAWS , Futura , and Hebru Brantley . The figures aren't heavy enough to serve as paperweights, but people display them at home as if they were valuable Oscar trophies. They may not be particularly artistic, but people are willing to spend tens of thousands of euros on popular editions.

The invention of Bearbricks was actually based on chance and wasn't the result of market research. However, it perfectly captures the wild, hype-driven, and quirky atmosphere of streetwear.

Bearbricks as a new medium for classical and modern art

They look like oversized toys. However, these teddy bears are not intended for small children.

Bearbrick figures are collector's items. At first glance, they may appear simple, resembling a cross between a Lego figure and a teddy bear, and are made of hard plastic, metal, or wood. These teddy bears can cost thousands of euros. One truly unique model was auctioned for the equivalent of 160,000 Swiss francs.

The figures come from the Japanese company Medicom Toy, which is known for the production and sale of collectible and action figures.

The bears come in six different sizes, each represented as a percentage. The most common size is 100%, and these adorable bears are seven centimeters tall. The smallest are 3.5 centimeters, while the largest reach an impressive 70 centimeters – these are the famous 1000% Bearbricks. They are quite rare and therefore the most expensive. To increase their collector value, all series are limited and usually only appear on the market once.

The toys serve as canvases for some of history's most famous artworks, bringing both classical and modern art to a new medium. The high demand, particularly for Bearbricks featuring modern artworks by Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Romero Britto, is noteworthy.

Artworks that were once only admired in museums or galleries are now available as three Terms & Conditions dimensional objects for collectors. Medicom Toy collaborates with renowned museums and art institutions to bring original works to Bearbricks and make them accessible to a new audience. These figures offer a new way to integrate art into everyday life, whether as decoration or as an investment.

Bearbricks are more than just collectible figures – they are the link between classical art, modern pop culture and contemporary design.”

The larger format is increasingly serving as a modern substitute for classical sculptures, as its presence and artistic design lend a modern touch to private collections, galleries, hotels, or company headquarters.

The 400% scale format, on the other hand, is ideal for display cases and smaller rooms where the artistic design of the Bearbricks takes center stage. Collectors appreciate this size as it strikes a good balance between decoration and investment. Those looking for a Bearbrick figure will find numerous designs with various artist credits.

Collaborations with Chanel and Andy Warhol

The exciting thing about this marketing idea is that you can't always choose the specific figure you want to buy. Many 100% Bearbricks are sold in blind boxes, so you don't immediately know which figure you'll receive (it's a bit like Kinder Surprise eggs). This makes it slightly more difficult to assemble a complete set. You can find the blind boxes on the Medicom Toy website, but just so you know: shipping is (for now?) only available within Japan.

Many bears are available for individual sale, but they can also increasingly be found in various online shops specializing in design. The fewer bears there are, the higher the price tends to be per piece (reflecting the limited edition nature of the collection).

Although common models are easier to find, the rarer figures can be resold at significantly higher prices. Among the most sought-after Bearbricks are those created in collaboration with Chanel , Andy Warhol , and the American urban artist KAWS .

Probability: 0.52 percent

When it comes to teddy bears, there's a fun distinction between "series" and "types ." Each series comprises four unique types: The "Basic" type consists of nine figures, each representing a single letter, which together spell out the word "Bearbrick." The probability of finding a "basic" teddy in a box is quite high, at almost 15 percent.

The "standard" type includes a variety of themes such as horror, science fiction or heroes, with teddy bears decorated with popular characters from, for example, the DC comic universe.

Next up is the "Artist" , featuring designs from collaborations with a variety of talented artists from the fashion and art worlds, including names like Vivienne Westwood , Chanel, and HR Giger . If you happen to find one of these figures in a box, consider yourself very lucky! However, the probability of this happening is only between one and four percent.

The most popular type is the "Secret" design of finding "secret" in a blind box you've purchased

Famous personalities and their Bearbrick collections

Bearbricks are appreciated not only by many celebrities, but also by art lovers and collectors. Especially in the music and fashion industries, these numbers are highly sought-after collector's items. Celebrities like Pharrell Williams, Travis Scott, and Virgil Abloh have publicly expressed their love for Bearbricks.

Furthermore, Bearbricks are a well-known phenomenon in Hollywood and sports. The figures are primarily used as status symbols in the homes, studios, and company buildings of actors, designers, and sports stars. They represent a modern lifestyle and are also works of art.

The future of Bearbricks

Their adaptability, creative design, and collaborations with renowned artists and companies have helped them establish a lasting presence in the art world. The market value and popularity of these unusual bears are expected to continue rising in the coming years.

Bearbricks are more than just a fleeting trend; for almost two decades they have served as decorations, collectibles, and investments. They will continue to delight the art scene with new design ideas, skillfully blending design, pop culture, and art.

“Bearbrick Be@rbrick Season 1” will launch on Apple TV+ on March 21, 2025.

Joachim Rodriguez y Romero

Owner and Managing Director of Kunstplaza . Publicist, editor, and passionate blogger in the fields of art, design, and creativity since 2011. Graduated with a degree in web design from university (2008). Further developed creative techniques through courses in freehand drawing, expressive painting, and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market gained through years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with key players and institutions in the arts and culture sector.

www.kunstplaza.de