The word “expensive” comes to mind when it comes to rare art. The most intriguing, rare, and expensive Bearbrick figurines in the world are one-of-a-kind creations that will end up in carefully guarded private collections. However, once they hit the market, they command exorbitant rates. We look at ten of the most expensive Bearbrick figures in this article.
1. The beginning of Bearbrick
Bearbricks began with a spark in 1996 when Medicom Toy, a Japanese company known for plastic figures, set out to craft unique, limited-edition toys. By May 2001, they unveiled BE@RBRICK—a bear-shaped vinyl figure. It began as a simple idea: a playful silhouette that could blend art and fashion.
This basic design evolved into something extraordinary. Imagine a plastic toy, just 2.7 inches tall at 100%, scaled up to the biggest Bearbrick at 1000%—27.6 inches (70 cm). Artists and brands like KAWS and Chanel turned it into a canvas, merging modern aesthetics with dynamic style. It’s a toy, yet it’s art.
Why does it stand out? Bearbricks aren’t just for kids. Their brilliance lies in their versatility—each edition is unique, from wood finishes to designer outfits. American singer Joe Hahn called it “a collector’s toy for adults,” a nod to its sophisticated appeal.
Since its debut, Bearbrick has soared in value. What starts at a low price can fetch tens of thousands at auction. It’s a trophy for collectors, coveted by many but owned by few, proving a simple bear can become a global icon.
2. Why Is Bearbrick So Expensive?
Bearbricks captivate with their sleek design and staggering prices. Here’s what fuels their high cost:
- Varied Sizes: Bearbricks come in sizes from 50% (1.4 inches) to the towering 1000% (27.6 inches), with the 100% (2.7 inches) as the standard. Larger models, like the $62,003 Chanel 1000% Bearbrick, demand premium prices due to their bold, display-worthy scale, appealing to affluent collectors.
- Limited Quantities: Production is tightly controlled—only 24 boxes of 50% designs release each summer and winter, each containing one of 12 mystery figures. This scarcity turns collecting into an exclusive chase, requiring wealth and persistence to snag rare pieces, much like hunting vintage treasures.
- Brand Collaborations: Partnerships with giants like BAPE, Chanel, and KAWS elevate Bearbricks to luxury status. The $18,500 BAPE x Readymade Bearbrick, with its real military-fabric hoodie, or promo-only editions, exemplify how elite branding spikes value and desirability.
- Cultural Value: At the nexus of art, fashion, and fun, Bearbricks transcend toys. Their simple bear shape, paired with collabs like KAWS’ $29,500 Dissected Black, resonates across generations, cementing them as enduring cultural artifacts.
From $10 origins to $157,000 masterpieces, Bearbricks blend size, rarity, prestige, and art into a costly collector’s dream.
>>> Read more: Where to buy Bearbrick online in Japan?
3. Top 10 Most Expensive Bearbricks
After giving some general information about Bearbrick why expensive and how big it is, Janbox will list the top 10 most valuable Bearbricks in the information section below. Let’s explore and find out which one is the most expensive Bearbrick in the world!
3.1 Yue Minjun “QIU TU” 1000% Bearbrick – Price: $160,000
Yue Minjun designed this Bearbrick in 2008 to honor Chinese artists and use his unique art form. Minjun’s artwork of himself with the look of frozen laughing is depicted in the figure, which has a wide-open gaping mouth and a cheery demeanor. Yue Minjun is one of China’s most well-known artists, which no doubt contributed to the Bearbrick’s exorbitant price. It was sold at auction for a whopping $160,000, making it one of the most expensive Bearbricks in the world ever sold.
3.2 Chanel (Coco Chanel) 1000% Bearbrick – Price: $62,003
Released in 2006/2007, the Chanel 1000% Bearbrick, designed by Karl Lagerfeld, sold for $62,003 on StockX in 2023. Modeled after Coco Chanel with her iconic jacket and pearls, only 1,000 were made, mostly for Chanel boutiques. Its rarity and Lagerfeld’s prestige drive its value—up from $30,000 in 2019. A blend of fashion and art, it’s a collector’s gem, once snagged for $8,000 on TheRealReal.
3.3 The Contemporary Fix x Sense Stainless Steel Bearbrick 1000% – Price: $58,000
This bearbrick weighed 14kg and was made of stainless steel. Back in 2009, the retail price was £34,000 (roughly $58,000). This figurine is highly sought after among die-hard Bearbrick collectors, as it was created by the minds of boutique The Contemporary Fix and SENSE Magazine to mark SENSE’s 9th anniversary.
3.4 KAWS Dissected 1000% Black – Price: $29,500
Launched in 2010, the KAWS Dissected 1000% Black Bearbrick sold for $29,500 on StockX in 2023. Crafted by artist KAWS (Brian Donnelly), this 27.6-inch figure features his signature “dissected” style, splitting the bear to reveal a dark, skeletal interior. Its rebellious black design challenges norms, blending street art with a haunting aesthetic. The high price reflects KAWS’ global influence and the piece’s limited release. For instance, his dissected Companion figures gained fame in Drake’s “Toosie Slide” video, amplifying demand. This Bearbrick isn’t just a toy—it’s a bold statement of creativity, coveted by collectors for its edgy allure.
3.5 Bearbrick Kaws Chomper 1000% – Last sale $23,000
Released in 2003, the KAWS Chomper 1000% Bearbrick fetched $23,000 on StockX in May 2023. Designed by KAWS (Brian Donnelly), this 27.6-inch figure showcases his iconic “Chomper” teeth pattern, a playful yet striking motif. Its value stems from its extreme rarity—only 500 units were produced, exclusively for Japan’s A-Nation festival. This scarcity, paired with KAWS’ rising fame, drives its price, up from $14,200 in 2021. For example, its limited run makes it a holy grail for collectors, much like rare vinyl records. Nearly two decades later, it remains a timeless piece of art toy history.
>>> Read more: Top 10 Japan Shopping Websites You Need To Know
3.6 Swarovski x Colette “White Crystal Christmas” – Price: $22,180
Unveiled in 2009, the Swarovski x Colette 1000% Bearbrick sold for $22,180 at auction. This 27.6-inch figure, a collaboration with Swarovski and Paris’ iconic Colette store, dazzles with hundreds of hand-applied crystals covering both sides. Released as part of Colette’s “White Crystal Christmas” concept, its luxurious embellishment elevates it beyond a mere toy. The high price reflects the craftsmanship and prestige of Swarovski’s crystal work, paired with Colette’s cult status. For instance, its sparkling design mirrors a jewel-encrusted artifact, making it a standout in any collection. This Bearbrick blends glamour and rarity, captivating collectors with its radiant allure.
3.7 Bearbrick x Readymade x A Bathing Ape 1000% Multi (2018) – Price: $18,500
Introduced in 2018, the BAPE x Readymade 1000% Bearbrick sold for $18,500 on StockX in May 2023. This 27.6-inch figure features an exclusive BAPE hoodie, meticulously crafted from Readymade’s vintage military fabrics, complete with a functional zipper and tiny pocket. The collaboration merges BAPE’s streetwear legacy with Readymade’s upcycled artistry, creating a one-of-a-kind collectible. Its high value stems from this bespoke hoodie—imagine a miniature garment with real-world detail, elevating a toy to wearable art. Previously hitting $20,799 in 2021, it remains a prized piece for enthusiasts, showcasing the power of innovative design in driving demand.
3.8 Karimoku Horizon 1000% Bearbrick (2018) – Price: $16,989
Released in 2018, the Karimoku Horizon 1000% Bearbrick sold for $16,989 on StockX in May 2023. This 27.6-inch figure, a collaboration with Japan’s revered Karimoku furniture company, is handcrafted from walnut wood, showcasing a seamless, natural finish. Its value lies in this exceptional craftsmanship—each piece reflects 80 years of woodworking expertise, blending tradition with modern design. Unlike mass-produced toys, it’s a made-to-order rarity, with a texture that feels alive. For example, its $13,000 price in 2021 jumped due to growing appreciation for artisanal quality. This Bearbrick is a collector’s prize, marrying nature’s beauty with artistic innovation.
3.9 Karimoku Parquet 2nd 1000% Bearbrick (2022) – Price: $15,299
Launched in 2022, the Karimoku Parquet 2nd 1000% Bearbrick sold for $15,299 on StockX in February 2023. This 27.6-inch figure, crafted by Japan’s Karimoku, features an intricate parquet wood pattern, a testament to meticulous artisanship. Its value stems from this complex design—each segment of wood is precisely arranged, creating a mesmerizing, mosaic-like effect. Unlike typical plastic Bearbricks, it’s a handmade marvel, reflecting Karimoku’s 80-year legacy in furniture-making. For instance, its unique grain captivates like a miniature floor masterpiece, driving collector interest. This blend of art and craftsmanship makes it a standout, prized for its detailed beauty.
>>> Read more: How to buy from Japan – Janbox proxy shopping service
3.10 KAWS OriginalFake 6th Anniversary 1000% Bearbrick (2012) – Last sale $10,819
Released in 2012, the KAWS OriginalFake 6th Anniversary 1000% Bearbrick sold for $10,819 on StockX in October 2023. This 27.6-inch figure, designed by KAWS (Brian Donnelly), celebrates six years of his OriginalFake brand with a detachable fabric layer featuring the iconic “Chomper” teeth pattern. Its value lies in this unique textile design—removable and washable, it’s a functional twist on art. Sold only at Ambush in Singapore, its exclusivity adds allure. For example, it’s like a wearable canvas, bridging streetwear and collectibles. Though OriginalFake ended in 2013, this Bearbrick remains a coveted piece of KAWS’ legacy.
>>> Read more: How to Buy from Amazon Japan? A Guide for Non-Japanese Shoppers
4. Conclusion
The influence of Bearbrick on streetwear is undeniable. It has paved the road for other manufacturers to introduce their own limited-edition products and toys, thanks to its limited-edition and uncommon things. These expensive bearbrick figurines have become an indisputable mainstay in the world of streetwear, and they’re not going away anytime soon.
Website: https://janbox.com
Email: support@janbox.com
