An impressive group of artists and vinyl toy companies have come together for “This One’s For The Children of Sichuan,” a charity auction orchestrated by MINDstyle to benefit victims of the Chinese earthquake. The auction includes original paintings, rare toys and limited-edition collectibles from KAWS, Joe Ledbetter, Michael Lau, Ron English, Buff Monster, tokidoki, Shepard Fairey, Devilrobots, Amanda Visell, Doktor A, Tim Biskup, Kathie Olivas, Brandt Peters and many more. A few of the auction’s highlights: Lau’s sold-out “Jordon” Gardeners, Ledbetter’s signed lot of monotone toys, a 4-foot tall KAWS companion (and pair of promo Nikes) and numerous large-scale resin figures. There are 29 lots posted with pictures and estimates on eBay here. The auction commences August 31st at 6 p.m. PST, but absentee bids can be placed immediately. Be charitable if you can afford to, and be sure to read all the rules of the auction, which may include additional shipping costs.
Bounty Hunter is one of the original brands credited with kicking off the designer toy movement back in 1996; although originally used as promotions for their streetwear fashions, the toys became an overnight success causing crowds to gather for blocks outside the Tokyo-based boutique on release days. After the figures sold out, they could be found for several times the purchase price on the aftermarket, setting the model for designer toys to come. While Bounty Hunter has continued to collaborate with such artists as KAWS and James Jarvis, it’s been some time since they released an original BxH figure. On September 6th, Bounty Hunter drops the eagerly anticipated Kumaru-Kun. It will be available at BxH dealers for what is likely to be a very brief moment.
