The most expensive KAWS figure to date is the “The KAWS Album” figure, which was sold for $2.7 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong in April 2019. This figure is a limited edition collaboration with rapper and producer Pharrell Williams and features KAWS’ signature “Companion” character holding a vinyl record with Pharrell’s logo on it. The figure stands at 1.25 meters tall and is made of bronze.
Introduction to KAWS and his collectible figures
From collector’s pieces to high-end designer toys, KAWS (Brian Donnelly) has established himself as one of the most recognizable figures in modern art. Born in 1973, KAWS is an award-winning New York City based artist and designer who uses a sophisticated mix of urban culture, contemporary art, graffiti, illustration and graphic design to create his signature aesthetic. His work consists primarily of vibrant painted characters that encompass a mix of streetwear style with a dark sense of humor. He often adds popular cartoon influences from sources such as Mickey Mouse and SpongeBob SquarePants into his designs.
KAWS’ work can be found throughout the world in galleries, museums, outdoor murals and collectible figures. From printmaking to apparel design – he continues to expand his oeuvre across disciplines with recently released figures and sculptures ranging from $40-$20,000+ USD. His vinyl figures feature handcrafted editions made out of wood and even bronze that are produced in limited numbers worldwide resulting in them becoming highly sought-after pieces amongst today’s most ambitious collectors.
Overview of the most expensive KAWS figures
KAWS figures are highly sought after by collectors and art enthusiasts alike. These vinyl toys are designed by the New York-based artist Brian Donnelly, also known as KAWS. His signature style is characterized by his use of iconic characters such as Mickey Mouse and Snoopy, which KAWS Kachamukku vinyl figure he reimagines in his own unique way.
The most expensive KAWS figure to date is the KAWS Companion (Original Fake) in black. This figure was released in 2006 and stands at 11 inches tall. It features the iconic KAWS Companion character in a black colorway with “Original Fake” branding on the back.
Another highly coveted KAWS figure is the KAWS Companion (Flayed) in gray. This figure was released in 2016 and stands at 14 inches tall. It features the Companion character with its skin peeled back to reveal its inner skeleton.
Other notable KAWS figures include the KAWS BFF in pink, which was released in 2017 and stands at 13 inches tall. It features the BFF character, which is a hybrid of the Companion and the Accomplice characters, in a vibrant pink colorway.
The KAWS Clean Slate figure is another sought after piece, released in 2019 and standing at 16 inches tall. This figure features the Companion character holding a blank chalkboard, symbolizing the potential for a fresh start and new beginnings.
Overall, KAWS figures are highly collectible and can range in price from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars depending on the rarity and condition of the figure. The most expensive KAWS figure, the Companion (Original Fake) in black, has sold for over $400,000 at auction.
The history and significance of the Companion figure
The Companion figure is one of the most iconic creations of the contemporary artist KAWS, and has become a symbol of popular culture in recent years. Originally created in 1999, the Companion figure was first introduced in the form of a small vinyl toy, and has since expanded to include a variety of different sizes and materials.
The Companion figure is often depicted as a skeletal, cartoon-like character with crossed-out eyes and oversized hands. It has become a recognizable symbol of KAWS’s work, and has been featured in a variety of different contexts, from street art to high-end galleries.
One of the most significant aspects of the Companion figure is its ability to bridge the gap between high and low culture. KAWS has managed to create a figure that is both accessible and appealing to a wide range of audiences, while also maintaining a level of artistic integrity and sophistication.
In recent years, the Companion figure has become increasingly popular among collectors, and has been featured in a variety of different exhibitions and auctions. The most expensive Companion figure to date was sold at a Phillips auction in Hong Kong in 2019, and fetched a record-breaking price of over $14 million.
Despite its high price tag, the Companion figure remains an important symbol of contemporary art and culture, and continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
The highest selling Companion figure at auction
The highest selling KAWS Companion figure at auction is the “The KAWS Album” edition. This limited edition figure was created in 2005 and features the Companion figure holding a record album cover. Only 100 editions of this figure were produced, making it an extremely rare and coveted piece for collectors.
In 2019, “The KAWS Album” edition sold for a staggering $2.97 million at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong. This sale broke the previous record for a KAWS Companion figure, which was held by “The KAWS Holiday” edition that sold for $1.4 million in 2018.
The high price for “The KAWS Album” edition can be attributed to its rarity, as well as the popularity of the KAWS brand and the Companion figure. Collectors are willing to pay top dollar for unique and limited edition pieces that add value to their collections.
Overall, the KAWS brand and its Companion figure have become highly sought after in the art and collectibles market, with prices for certain editions reaching millions of dollars.
The rarity and exclusivity of the Black BFF figure
The Black BFF figure is considered to be the most expensive KAWS figure on the market. This is due in large part to its rarity and exclusivity. The Black BFF was initially released in 2017 as part of a limited edition series that included a range of colors, but the black version was only available through a special lottery system.
The Black BFF figure is highly sought after by collectors because it is one of the rarest KAWS figures available. The limited release and exclusive distribution method mean that there are only a few of these figures in circulation, making them highly prized by collectors.
In addition to its rarity, the Black BFF figure is also highly desirable because of its unique design. The figure features a black body with white accents and a blue heart on its chest. The design is both striking and iconic, making it a must-have for serious collectors.
Overall, the rarity and exclusivity of the Black BFF figure make it one of the most expensive KAWS figures on the market. While it may be out of reach for many collectors, those who are lucky enough to own one can be sure that they have a truly special piece in their collection.