What is Urban Collectibles? Exploring the Rise of Urban Collectibles: From Niche Toys to Art Market Phenomenon

Urban collectibles, also known as designer toys, are artistic creations by artists and designers, acting as a medium of self-expression, much like paintings or written works. These toys integrate elements of art, design, fashion, sculpture, and anime, and are typically considered collectibles for adults over 15, possessing a strong collectible value.

Urban collectibles are either handcrafted by designers or produced by independent toy companies. Due to limitations in craftsmanship, materials, and funding, they are often released in limited quantities, leading to higher prices and exclusivity, initially appealing to a niche audience.

The types of Urban collectibles include action figures, vinyl toys, resin figures, platform toys, blind box figures, and building block toys, with sizes ranging from a few centimeters to several dozen centimeters. The materials used are diverse: ABS plastic, vinyl, wood, metal, latex, plush, and resin. "Sofubi," short for soft vinyl in Japanese, is one popular material, especially in Japanese collectible toys.

Urban collectibles possess several key attributes:

1. Artistic Value: These collectibles encapsulate the abstract design thoughts and ideas of their creators, making them personal expressions and granting them significant collectible value.
2. Rarity: Limited production runs make these toys rare, often enhancing their allure and collectible nature.
3. Collectability: Many adults purchase Urban collectibles for both personal enjoyment and potential trade. The second-hand market is a strong indicator of their value.
4. Social Connectivity: Urban collectibles can serve as a common point of interest, helping collectors expand their social circles through shared enthusiasm.
5. Entertainment: With interactive and fun designs, these collectibles also serve as tools for relaxation and enjoyment.
6. Decorative Value: Given their artistic and aesthetic appeal, Urban collectibles can enhance personal or workspaces.

Historically, Urban collectibles originated in Hong Kong and Japan around 1990. Icons like Michael Lau’s Gardener series and Medicom’s BE@RBRICK platform toy exemplify the genre. BE@RBRICK toys, in particular, are notable for their fixed bear-shaped structure, which serves as a canvas for different themes and designs. This platform-based approach helped lower production costs and, with the rise of blind-box sales, added an element of surprise and anticipation to the collecting experience.

The crossover appeal of Urban collectibles, such as BE@RBRICK's collaborations with street culture, pop culture, films, and artists, has further fueled their popularity. The continued innovation with classic intellectual properties (IPs) like Astro Boy has kept Urban collectibles relevant and in-demand.

Urban collectibles have increasingly moved from niche subcultures into mainstream collectible art. For instance, KAWS toys were categorized as 21st-century artworks at a Christie's auction in December 2021, with estimated prices ranging from 5.2 to 7.2 million Hong Kong dollars. According to industry reports, China's Urban collectible market reached a size of 38.5 billion RMB in 2021 and is expected to grow to 76.4 billion RMB by 2024.