Heritage Auctions' Latest Collectible Toys Auction Is Bigger Than Ever
With 276 items from names like KAWS, BAPE, and BE@RBRICK.
With the success of Madchild’s auction of personal items, Heritage Auctions is back with an even bigger auctions containing some of the rarest household names in collectible art/figurines. Titled the “Collectible Toys and Urban Art Fine Art” auction, the full lot of items totals 276 items, and contains collectibles which span from the year 1999 to 2017. Items from KAWS, BAPE, BE@RBRICK, Kidrobot, and Supreme make up the bulk of the collection, with opening bids starting $20 USD, all the way to $2000 USD.
Curious as to who is offloading their collection this time, we sought out to ask the owner a few questions regarding his decision. Although he did request to remain anonymous, we did manage to get a few answers out of him regarding the imminent auction. With no solid numbers just yet, this auction is estimated to rake in $80k – $150k USD, and we will be updating these figures to a more exact amount when the close numbers are in. In the meantime, scroll through the images to get a taste of just a few of the items being auctioned off. Those interested in owning a part of streetwear history better act fast, as the auction countdown starts now, and can we found here.
In other news, KAWS reveals sketches for upcoming Union collaboration.
Our Q&A with the mystery seller can be read below:
What is the main reason of staying anonymous?
I would like my privacy.
How did you first get in touch with Heritage Auctions to set this up?
I met Leon Benrimon at the Heritage Auctions booth at ComplexCon. They had a large selection of KAWS toys on display.
Could you tell us a bit about your background?
I’ve been collecting since I was a kid. I started with natural ephemera and moved on to hats and sneakers. KAWS really stood out to me and fuelled my passion for art collecting. It’s been KAWS, BE@RBRICKs and Supreme ever since.
Do you collect other things within the culture? If so, is this just a portion of your collection being auctioned off? Was there a certain era of Supreme/Kaws/BE@RBRICKS that stood out to you?
This is just a small part of my collection and I’ll continue to collect KAWS, BE@RBRICKS, Supreme and other urban art collectibles.
My favorite collaboration was the KAWS x Nike Air Jordan. They quickly became the hottest, most coveted shoe of the year. KAWS is headed to much higher places and I’m excited to see what’s next.
Does this mean you are done collecting from these brands?
I’ll never be done collecting. KAWS continues to make works and there are still several I’d like to add to my collection.
How old were you when you started?
I started collection when I was 15 years old. I would save money from selling parts of my collection on eBay/Amazon and put the profits towards growing my urban art collection.
What started you down this path in collecting these items? What pulled you into this culture?
I was drawn to the fact that a small toy/object could become so valuable and sought after. That’s how I first became interested in BE@RBRICKS and KAWS. Not only do I think it’s some of the best art out there, but it has the most following.
How long did it take you to amass your collection?
I took me about 10 years to get to where I am.
Between all the artists within your collection, what are some of the similarities that you can draw between them?
I love how all of them draw inspiration from classic cartoons. There’s some nostalgia there. KAWS is a genius for coming up with his companions. I’m particularly drawn to the dark play on Mickey Mouse.
Why have you decide to auction off your collection, and what are you going to do with your profits?
I’m looking to invest in other objects, and I’ve got my eyes on the KAWS 4-foot Companion.
Which item has the most sentimental value for you?
The earlier works by KAWS definitely have the most sentimental value to me.
