About Japanese art Bearbricks
Medicom Toy is a Japanese company, and a large part of the BE@RBRICK range draws on Japan's own art history. Ukiyo-e, the Japanese woodblock prints of the Edo period, are particularly well suited: clear outlines, flat colours and patterns that can be wrapped around the bear's body. The collection mixes the old masters with contemporary Japanese artists and traditional patterns.
Ukiyo-e: Hokusai and Sharaku
Katsushika Hokusai (1760–1849) is best known for The Great Wave off Kanagawa from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji. From the same series comes Gaifu Kaisei, also known as "Red Fuji", which we have as a 1000% Bearbrick. Toshusai Sharaku is known for his portraits of kabuki actors, and Ichikawa Ebizo IV is based on one of them.
Contemporary art and patterns
Hajime Sorayama is known for his glossy, chrome-plated robots, and Hajime Sorayama x 2G has that metallic style. From Saiko Otake we have Goddess in 1000%. Chiyogami II (Purple) is based on chiyogami, the traditional Japanese patterned paper, and NEKO ga Suki was made by Kuniyoshi Kaneko.
Sizes and prices
400% (approx. 28 cm) currently costs from approx. €185 to approx. €310, and most are sold as a set with a 100%. In 1000% (approx. 70 cm) we have Hokusai Gaifu Kaisei at approx. €695 and Goddess at approx. €805. The range changes, and several Utagawa Kuniyoshi designs are sold out right now.
How to choose
Woodblock motifs such as Hokusai and Sharaku have lots of fine detail, so they look their best in 1000% or close to eye level. Keep them out of direct sunlight so the printed colours do not fade, and keep the box.
Related themes
For more artists, see art Bearbricks and Van Gogh Bearbricks. You will find Japanese pop culture in anime Bearbricks and kawaii Bearbricks, and Sorayama's metallic style goes well with chrome Bearbricks. Also read the guide to art Bearbricks.
Frequently asked questions about Japanese Art Bearbricks
Is Hokusai available as a Bearbrick?
Yes. We have 1000% Katsushika Hokusai (Gaifu Kaisei), which is based on "Red Fuji" from the series Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.
What is ukiyo-e?
Ukiyo-e are Japanese woodblock prints and paintings from the Edo period. Hokusai and Sharaku are two of the best-known artists, and we have both as Bearbricks.
How much does a Japanese art Bearbrick cost?
400% currently costs from approx. €185 to approx. €310. 1000% ranges from approx. €695 to approx. €805.
Who is Hajime Sorayama?
Hajime Sorayama is a Japanese artist known for his glossy, chrome-plated robots. We have Hajime Sorayama x 2G as a 400% & 100% set.