Art Toys: the ultimate fusion of contemporary art and streetwear

Step into the world of Art Toys, the collectible figures that redefined the line between toy, sculpture and streetwear object of desire. Born at the turn of the 2000s in Tokyo and Hong Kong, they now embody a global art movement celebrated by the biggest fashion houses, museums and most discerning collectors. At MTHOR, we curate the most iconic pieces of the genre: Bearbrick by Medicom Toy, hyper-realistic Hot Toys, KAWS figures with their cult silhouettes, and other Medicom collaborations. Every piece in this collection goes through our rigorous authentication process led by our expert team, guaranteeing you a 100% genuine, brand-new and sealed figure.

The story of a revolution: from Tokyo toy to global streetwear icon

The Art Toys story begins in May 2001, when Japanese company Medicom Toy, founded by Tatsuhiko Akashi, unveils the very first Bearbrick at the World Character Convention in Tokyo. The idea: create a stylised bear figure, modular and customisable, available in multiple scales, designed as a blank canvas for artists. Success is immediate in the Tokyo underground scene, then the international press picks up on the phenomenon. Meanwhile, in Hong Kong, Hot Toys, founded in 2000 by Howard Chan, develops a radically different approach: hyper-realistic 1/6 scale figures with an unprecedented level of detail — silicone skin, fabrics woven to scale, functional accessories. Together, both worlds define what we now call the art toy or designer toy.

The entry of Art Toys into pop culture accelerates with collaborations between Medicom and streetwear pillars: BAPE from 2002, Supreme, Undefeated, Stüssy, then Nike, adidas and Atmos. American artist Brian Donnelly, aka KAWS, propels the movement into the contemporary art world with his Companion and BFF figures, exhibited at MoMA and the Tate Modern, sold at Sotheby's and Christie's auctions for six-figure sums. Today, KAWS Bearbricks, Hot Toys Iron Man and Medicom x Chanel or Hermès editions rank among the most coveted pieces by streetwear collectors worldwide.

The iconic formats: how to read an Art Toy figure?

The Art Toys language is codified, and understanding it is the first step to collecting well. Bearbrick come in five main formats, expressed as a percentage of the reference size: 50% (3.5 cm, keychain format), 100% (7 cm, standard format), 400% (28 cm, the most iconic), 1000% (70 cm, premium statement piece), and more rarely 2000% (140 cm, exceptional pieces). The most sought-after sets combine a 100% & 400% from the same edition. Hot Toys generally follow the 1/6 scale (about 30 cm), occasionally 1/4 for hero pieces. KAWS figures come in various sizes, from 11-inch vinyl to life-size sculptures.

Three key benefits to know:

Modularity: most Art Toys display standing, in a cabinet or on a dedicated stand, and complement each other to build a truly coherent collection. Value: limited Bearbrick and Hot Toys editions see their resale value rise from the end of production, often x3 or x5 on the secondary market. Pop culture: every figure tells a story — artistic collab, film tribute, Marvel series, brand anniversary — making it a true narrative object beyond the simple toy.

Must-have pieces in the Art Toys collection

Our selection covers all the references collectors are looking for. On the Bearbrick KAWS side, you'll find cult pieces like Companion Dissected, Chompers, and the 1000% reissues. The Bearbrick x Andy Warhol collaborations (Marilyn Monroe, Brillo, Basquiat) remain flagship pieces for contemporary art-oriented collectors. Classic streetwear fans will turn to Bearbrick x BAPE, Bearbrick x Supreme, Bearbrick x Nike and the Atmos x Sean Wotherspoon editions. Pop culture fans won't miss the Bearbrick Batman, Bearbrick Jean-Michel Basquiat, Marvel X-Men, NBA editions and Disney collaborations.

On the Hot Toys side, Marvel figures (Iron Man Mark series, Spider-Man, Hulk, Thanos), DC (Batman, Joker) and Star Wars (Mandalorian, Boba Fett, Darth Vader) form the core of the offer. For exceptional-piece hunters, limited-edition Bearbrick 100% & 400% sets and 1000% Vintage represent the best long-term investment opportunities.

Why buy your Art Toys from MTHOR

MTHOR Shop specialises in authenticated streetwear pieces. Every figure in our Art Toys collection undergoes a rigorous check by our expert team: we verify the consistency of the original box and serial label, the presence and conformity of Medicom Toy holograms, the state of the manufacturer seal, the quality of the moulding, paint and finishes, as well as the conformity of included accessories (stand, descriptive card, protective bag). Every order ships in secured packaging with an MTHOR seal, tangible proof that quality control was performed and authenticity validated. Learn more about our authentication process.

We offer worldwide signed-for home delivery in 2 to 8 days, with real-time tracking via email and WhatsApp, interest-free payment in 4 instalments via Klarna or Scalapay, and a France-based customer service available Monday to Friday 9am-6pm. Should anything go wrong, our 14-day return policy protects you, provided the figure is returned in its original condition (sealed box, intact accessories).

FAQ — Art Toys at MTHOR

How to verify the authenticity of a Bearbrick or Hot Toys figure?

Our expert team checks every piece on several key points: original box and serial label consistency, presence of official Medicom Toy or Hot Toys holograms, moulding and paint quality, presence and condition of manufacturer accessories. Any piece that fails the check is immediately discarded. Discover our detailed authentication process.

Which Bearbrick format to choose: 100%, 400% or 1000%?

The 100% (7 cm) is ideal to start a collection or complete a set. The 400% (28 cm) is the king format for collectors, perfectly balancing visual presence and price. The 1000% (70 cm) is a statement piece for the most iconic figures, often bought as Vintage editions or limited reissues. 100% & 400% sets from the same edition are particularly prized.

Is the figure delivered in its original box?

Yes. All our Art Toys are sold brand-new, sealed in their original box, with all manufacturer accessories (stand, card, protective bag where applicable). It's an essential condition of our curation.

What is the delivery time?

We ship worldwide with signed-for home delivery in 2 to 8 days. You get real-time tracking via email and WhatsApp, whatever your destination. Figures are packed in reinforced packaging to protect the box and contents.

Will I have to pay customs fees?

No, no customs fees are charged to you. MTHOR covers all customs duties and taxes, whatever your destination worldwide. The price displayed on the site is the final price you pay: no surprises on delivery.

Can I return my figure if I'm not satisfied?

Yes. You have 14 days after receipt to return your figure, provided it's in its original condition (sealed box, untouched seal, intact accessories). Refunds are processed within 24 hours of receiving the return.

Go further

Also discover our dedicated Bearbrick selection, gathering all our Medicom Toy figures sorted by format and collaboration. To learn everything about our pieces' quality and conformity, check out our detailed authentication process.