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KAWS Art

American

In the beginning, Brian Donnelly was just a kid from Jersey City, New Jersey, who got into the graffiti thing. KAWS was his tag, chosen simply because he liked the way it looked. Today, KAWS creates all kinds of art — there are KAWS figures and toys, sculptures and colorful drawings, paintings and prints that appropriate pop phenomena like the Smurfs, the Simpsons and SpongeBob SquarePants.

In the late 1990s, the artist, a 1996 graduate of New York’s School of Visual Arts, was making a living as an illustrator for the animation studio Jumbo Pictures. Like young Hansel and Gretel with their trail of crumbs, KAWS would mark the morning route to his downtown Manhattan office with “subvertising,” “interrupting” fashion advertisements by adding his colorful character Bendy, its sinuous length sliding playfully around the likes of a Calvin Klein perfume bottle or supermodel Christy Turlington.

These creations gained a following, to the point where work posted in the morning would disappear by lunchtime. Even in those early days, KAWS was hot on the resale market.

“When I was doing graffiti,” he once explained, “it meant nothing to me to make paintings if I wasn’t reaching people.”

Instead of seeking entrée to the elite New York art world (which, frankly, wasn’t looking for a street artist anyway), KAWS moved to Japan, where a flourishing youth culture welcomed visionaries like him.

In 1999, he partnered with Bounty Hunter, a Japanese toy and streetwear brand, to release his first toy. Companion — an eight-inch-tall vinyl reimagining of Mickey Mouse, with a skull-and-crossbones head and trademark XX eyes — debuted with a limited run of 500. It sold out quickly.

Companion was the first of more than 130 toy designs, which came to include such characters as Chum, Blitz, Be@rbrick, BFF and Milo, each immediately recognizable as KAWS figures by their XX eyes. Fans have proved insatiable. In 2017, MoMA’s online store announced the availability of a limited supply of KAWS Companion figures; as avid collectors logged on to stake their claim, the website crashed — multiple times.

Companion is the most visible of the KAWS posse, appearing over the past decade in new postures and combinations in monumental KAWS statues and other works. These include Along the Way (2013), an 18-foot-tall wooden sculpture of two Companions leaning on each other for support; Together (2016), two Companions in a friendly embrace, which debuted during an exhibition of KAWS’s work at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, in Texas; and KAWS:HOLIDAY (2018), a 92-foot-long inflatable Companion floating on its back in Seoul’s Seokchon Lake. The sculptures were re-created as toys, blurring the lines between art and commerce.

KAWS’s visual language may be drawn from cartoons, but his work doesn’t necessarily evoke childlike joy.

“My figures are not always reflecting the idealistic cartoon view that I grew up on,” he explains in the catalogue for the Fort Worth exhibition. “Companion is more real in dealing with contemporary human circumstances . . . . I think when I’m making work it also often mirrors what’s going on with me at that time.”

KAWS's résumé reads like a record of major 21st-century pop-culture moments. It includes his work with streetwear brands like A Bathing Ape and Supreme; his design for the cover of Kanye West’s 2008 album, 808s & Heartbreak; and his collaboration with designer Kim Jones on the Dior Homme Spring/Summer 2019 collection, Jones’s debut as the fashion brand’s creative director.

Learn how to spot a fake KAWS art toy, and browse authentic KAWS figures, prints, sculptures and mixed media works on 1stDibs.

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Artist: KAWS
Unique Cloud Drawing, hand signed, dated and inscribed to Caroline, in monograph
Unique Cloud Drawing, hand signed, dated and inscribed to Caroline, in monograph

Unique Cloud Drawing, hand signed, dated and inscribed to Caroline, in monograph

By KAWS

Located in New York, NY

KAWS Unique Cloud Drawing, inscribed to Caroline Original drawing done in silver marker. Hand signed, inscribed and dated. Held in hardback monograph 11 × 8 3/4 inches Boldly hand s...

Category

2010s Street Art KAWS Art

Materials

Permanent Marker, Offset

Paris Cloud Drawing (signed and inscribed to David) unique work on colored paper
Paris Cloud Drawing (signed and inscribed to David) unique work on colored paper

Paris Cloud Drawing (signed and inscribed to David) unique work on colored paper

By KAWS

Located in New York, NY

KAWS Cloud Drawing done in white marker on colored paper, 2010 Signed, dated and inscribed to David in white marker with a dateline of Paris Floated and framed in a white wood frame ...

Category

2010s Street Art KAWS Art

Materials

Paper, Permanent Marker

Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE Title Page
Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE Title Page

Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE Title Page

By KAWS

Located in Washington, DC

Artist: KAWS Medium: Screenprint on Saunders Waterford 425gm HP hi-white Title: URGE Title Page Portfolio: URGE Year: 2020 Edition: 173/250 Image Size: 11 1/2" x 8 1/2" Sheet Size: 1...

Category

2010s KAWS Art

Materials

Screen

Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE 1
Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE 1

Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE 1

By KAWS

Located in Washington, DC

Artist: KAWS Medium: Screenprint on Saunders Waterford 425gm HP hi-white Title: URGE 1 Portfolio: URGE Year: 2020 Edition: 173/250 Image Size: 11 1/2" x 8 1/2" Sheet Size: 17" x 12 1...

Category

2010s KAWS Art

Materials

Screen

Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE 2
Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE 2

Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE 2

By KAWS

Located in Washington, DC

Artist: KAWS Medium: Screenprint on Saunders Waterford 425gm HP hi-white Title: URGE 2 Portfolio: URGE Year: 2020 Edition: 173/250 Image Size: 11 1/2" x 8 1/2" Sheet Size: 17" x 12 1...

Category

2010s KAWS Art

Materials

Screen

Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE 3
Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE 3

Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE 3

By KAWS

Located in Washington, DC

Artist: KAWS Medium: Screenprint on Saunders Waterford 425gm HP hi-white Title: URGE 3 Portfolio: URGE Year: 2020 Edition: 173/250 Image Size: 11 1/2" x 8 1/2" Sheet Size: 17" x 12 1...

Category

2010s KAWS Art

Materials

Screen

Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE 4
Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE 4

Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE 4

By KAWS

Located in Washington, DC

Artist: KAWS Medium: Screenprint on Saunders Waterford 425gm HP hi-white Title: URGE 4 Portfolio: URGE Year: 2020 Edition: 173/250 Image Size: 11 1/2" x 8 1/2" Sheet Size: 17" x 12 1...

Category

2010s KAWS Art

Materials

Screen

Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE 6
Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE 6

Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE 6

By KAWS

Located in Washington, DC

Artist: KAWS Medium: Screenprint on Saunders Waterford 425gm HP hi-white Title: URGE 6 Portfolio: URGE Year: 2020 Edition: 173/250 Image Size: 11 1/2" x 8 1/2" Sheet Size: 17" x 12 1...

Category

2010s KAWS Art

Materials

Screen

Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE 7
Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE 7

Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE 7

By KAWS

Located in Washington, DC

Artist: KAWS Medium: Screenprint on Saunders Waterford 425gm HP hi-white Title: URGE 7 Portfolio: URGE Year: 2020 Edition: 173/250 Image Size: 11 1/2" x 8 1/2" Sheet Size: 17" x 12 1...

Category

2010s KAWS Art

Materials

Screen

Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE 8
Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE 8

Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE 8

By KAWS

Located in Washington, DC

Artist: KAWS Medium: Screenprint on Saunders Waterford 425gm HP hi-white Title: URGE 8 Portfolio: URGE Year: 2020 Edition: 173/250 Image Size: 11 1/2" x 8 1/2" Sheet Size: 17" x 12 1...

Category

2010s KAWS Art

Materials

Screen

Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE 9
Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE 9

Original KAWS Signed Screenprint, 2020, URGE 9

By KAWS

Located in Washington, DC

Artist: KAWS Medium: Screenprint on Saunders Waterford 425gm HP hi-white Title: URGE 9 Portfolio: URGE Year: 2020 Edition: 173/250 Image Size: 11 1/2" x 8 1/2" Sheet Size: 17" x 12 1...

Category

2010s KAWS Art

Materials

Screen

Small Lie Sculpture, Pop Art, Vinyl Paint, 2010+, New, 11x3.75 in
Small Lie Sculpture, Pop Art, Vinyl Paint, 2010+, New, 11x3.75 in

Small Lie Sculpture, Pop Art, Vinyl Paint, 2010+, New, 11x3.75 in

By KAWS

Located in New York, NY

KAWS, born 1974 in New Jersey, is a multi-faceted New York based artist. KAWS began his career as a graffiti artist in Jersey City, taking to the streets at night and painting over a...

Category

2010s Pop Art KAWS Art

Materials

Vinyl

KAWS UK Holiday Companion Brown (KAWS holiday)
KAWS UK Holiday Companion Brown (KAWS holiday)

KAWS UK Holiday Companion Brown (KAWS holiday)

By KAWS

Located in NEW YORK, NY

KAWS: HOLIDAY United Kingdom Brown (KAWS UK): KAWS' signature character COMPANION presented in an upright standing position with its eyes covered. New in their original packaging - ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pop Art KAWS Art

Materials

Resin, Vinyl

WHAT PARTY (ORANGE)
WHAT PARTY (ORANGE)

WHAT PARTY (ORANGE)

By KAWS

Located in Aventura, FL

Screen print in colors on Saunders Waterford hi-white paper. Hand signed, dated and numbered by the artist. Edition 33/100 (there was also 20 APs and 5 PPs). Published by KAWSONE, B...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Street Art KAWS Art

Materials

Paper, Screen

Astro Boy Sculpture, KAWS Pop Art Figurine, Limited Edition 2013
Astro Boy Sculpture, KAWS Pop Art Figurine, Limited Edition 2013

Astro Boy Sculpture, KAWS Pop Art Figurine, Limited Edition 2013

By KAWS

Located in New York, NY

The ‘Astro Boy’ in vivid color was re-imagined by KAWS in collaboration with Original Fake and created by Medicom Toy. This collectable art figurine is made of vinyl and is part of t...

Category

2010s Pop Art KAWS Art

Materials

Resin, Plastic

2016 Companion Blush (Flayed) Set vinyl figures by KAWS from Medicom Toy Corp.
2016 Companion Blush (Flayed) Set vinyl figures by KAWS from Medicom Toy Corp.

2016 Companion Blush (Flayed) Set vinyl figures by KAWS from Medicom Toy Corp.

By KAWS

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Companion Blush (Flayed) Set of two painted vinyl figures in original 2016 packaging from Medicom Toy Corp. From KAWS' (a.k.a. Brian Donnelly's) open edition release. Unsigned.

Category

2010s Street Art KAWS Art

Materials

Vinyl

Tide, by KAWS
Tide, by KAWS

Tide, by KAWS

By KAWS

Located in Dubai, Dubai

Tide by KAWS 10-color silkscreen on Coventry Rag paper with water base and ultraviolet ink 27.9 x 23.2 cm Edition 87 of 100 Signed and numbered Published by Phaidon. Mint condition, ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Street Art KAWS Art

Materials

Screen

Clean Slate Grey Vinyl Sculpture, KAWS, 2018, Open Edition, Stamped
Clean Slate Grey Vinyl Sculpture, KAWS, 2018, Open Edition, Stamped

Clean Slate Grey Vinyl Sculpture, KAWS, 2018, Open Edition, Stamped

By KAWS

Located in Washington, DC

Artist: KAWS Medium: Painted cast vinyl Title: Clean Slate (Grey) Year: 2018 Edition: Open edition Image Size: 14" x 7" x 7" Signed: Stamped with artist name, fabricator and dated 20...

Category

2010s KAWS Art

Materials

Vinyl

KAWS WHAT PARTY complete set of 5 (KAWS Companion set)
KAWS WHAT PARTY complete set of 5 (KAWS Companion set)

KAWS WHAT PARTY complete set of 5 (KAWS Companion set)

By KAWS

Located in NEW YORK, NY

KAWS WHAT PARTY, Complete Set of 5: 5 individual KAWS Companions featuring KAWS' CHUM character in a hunched position. Published to commemorate the debut of KAWS’ larger scale sculpt...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pop Art KAWS Art

Materials

Resin, Vinyl

KAWS Changbai white (KAWS Holiday changbai)
KAWS Changbai white (KAWS Holiday changbai)

KAWS Changbai white (KAWS Holiday changbai)

By KAWS

Located in NEW YORK, NY

KAWS Holiday Changbai Mountain (KAWS white Changbai): A beautifully composed snowy-white KAWS COMPANION published to commemorate KAWS' larger-scale sculpture of same, at Changbai Mo...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Street Art KAWS Art

Materials

Resin, Vinyl

KAWS Singapore brown (KAWS Holiday companion)
KAWS Singapore brown (KAWS Holiday companion)

KAWS Singapore brown (KAWS Holiday companion)

By KAWS

Located in NEW YORK, NY

KAWS Brown Holiday Companion (KAWS Singapore): This standout KAWS art toy features KAWS' signature character COMPANION in a resting position. Published to commemorate the debut of K...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pop Art KAWS Art

Materials

Resin, Vinyl

KAWS Clean Slate Vinyl Figure, Grey Version, Pop Art, 2010s, Unsigned
KAWS Clean Slate Vinyl Figure, Grey Version, Pop Art, 2010s, Unsigned

KAWS Clean Slate Vinyl Figure, Grey Version, Pop Art, 2010s, Unsigned

By KAWS

Located in Dallas, TX

KAWS Clean Slate (Grey), new & unopened in its original packaging. Sold Out after the artist's retrospect exhibition at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth Medium: Vinyl & Cast Res...

Category

2010s Pop Art KAWS Art

Materials

Resin, Vinyl

KAWS GONE set of 2 (KAWS companion)
KAWS GONE set of 2 (KAWS companion)

KAWS GONE set of 2 (KAWS companion)

By KAWS

Located in NEW YORK, NY

KAWS GONE: set of 2 (Black & Brown), new & unopened in original packaging. A well-received work and variation of KAWS' large scale GONE sculpture - a key highlight of KAWS’ recent exhibition, 'KAWS: Companionship in the Age of Loneliness...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pop Art KAWS Art

Materials

Resin, Vinyl

KAWS exhibition poster 2001 (KAWS Tokyo 2001)
KAWS exhibition poster 2001 (KAWS Tokyo 2001)

KAWS exhibition poster 2001 (KAWS Tokyo 2001)

By KAWS

Located in NEW YORK, NY

KAWS Tokyo First Exhibit Poster 2001: 2001 KAWS Parco Gallery exhibition poster featuring a photograph by fashion photographer David Sims reimagined by KAWS in his classic 1990's int...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Street Art KAWS Art

Materials

Lithograph, Offset

KAWS, Blame Game, 2014, Screen print, Printers proof edition of 5
KAWS, Blame Game, 2014, Screen print, Printers proof edition of 5

KAWS, Blame Game, 2014, Screen print, Printers proof edition of 5

By KAWS

Located in Bristol, GB

Screenprint Printers proof 2 of an edition of 5, aside from the main edition of 100 88.8 x 58.4 cm (34.9 x 23 in) Framed: 101 x 70.5 cm with Acrylic Signed and dated on the front Ar...

Category

2010s Contemporary KAWS Art

Materials

Screen

KAWS Take Figure, Pink BFF Companion, Resin and Vinyl Paint, 2010+
KAWS Take Figure, Pink BFF Companion, Resin and Vinyl Paint, 2010+

KAWS Take Figure, Pink BFF Companion, Resin and Vinyl Paint, 2010+

By KAWS

Located in Dallas, TX

Several months after releasing the KAWS Share Figure in February, the artist released his long anticipated KAWS Take Figure. The figure, which features a blue BFF holding a brown Com...

Category

2010s Pop Art KAWS Art

Materials

Resin, Vinyl

Five Years Later Companion (Brown) Vinyl Sculpture, Edition of 500
Five Years Later Companion (Brown) Vinyl Sculpture, Edition of 500

Five Years Later Companion (Brown) Vinyl Sculpture, Edition of 500

By KAWS

Located in Bristol, GB

Painted cast vinyl Edition of 500 (reported) Stamped 'MEDICOM TOY 2004 CHINA © KAWS..04' on the underside Pristine, some minor imperfections may exist given the nature of the materia...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary KAWS Art

Materials

Vinyl, Plastic

Passing Through (Mono) Vinyl Sculpture, Contemporary, 21st Century
Passing Through (Mono) Vinyl Sculpture, Contemporary, 21st Century

Passing Through (Mono) Vinyl Sculpture, Contemporary, 21st Century

By KAWS

Located in Bristol, GB

Painted cast vinyl Edition of 500 (unnumbered, reported) Stamped on the underside of foot Figure in excellent condition, with minor markings. Some minor imperfections may exist given...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary KAWS Art

Materials

Vinyl, Plastic

KAWS Holiday SPACE Companion (KAWS black space holiday)
KAWS Holiday SPACE Companion (KAWS black space holiday)

KAWS Holiday SPACE Companion (KAWS black space holiday)

By KAWS

Located in NEW YORK, NY

KAWS:HOLIDAY SPACE (Black), is a celebration of 20 years of the KAWS Companion. Using a sounding balloon, the KAWS:HOLIDAY SPACE was sent up 41.5km into the stratosphere before retun...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary KAWS Art

Materials

Polyurethane

KAWS Companion 2016 (KAWS Brown Companion)
KAWS Companion 2016 (KAWS Brown Companion)

KAWS Companion 2016 (KAWS Brown Companion)

By KAWS

Located in NEW YORK, NY

KAWS Brown Companion, 2016. New and sealed in its original packaging. This classic KAWS figurative sculpture was published by Medicom Japan in conjunction with the exhibition, KAWS: ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pop Art KAWS Art

Materials

Resin, Vinyl

KAWS GONE & KAWS BFF Companions (set of 2 works)
KAWS GONE & KAWS BFF Companions (set of 2 works)

KAWS GONE & KAWS BFF Companions (set of 2 works)

By KAWS

Located in NEW YORK, NY

KAWS GONE Brown & KAWS Blue BFF Companions (set of 2 works 2017-2019): Medium: Vinyl paint & Cast Resin (applies to each work). Published 2017 & 2019, respectively. GONE: 14.25 x 7 ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pop Art KAWS Art

Materials

Resin, Vinyl

KAWS - Share Figure - Brown Version _Brand new collectible
KAWS - Share Figure - Brown Version _Brand new collectible

KAWS - Share Figure - Brown Version _Brand new collectible

By KAWS

Located in Dallas, TX

KAWS SHARE (Brown version), new & unopened in its original packaging: KAWS SHARE first appeared in 'BLACKOUT' – the first London solo exhibition by KAWS (Skarstedt London 2019). In S...

Category

2010s Pop Art KAWS Art

Materials

Resin, Vinyl

KAWS CHUM (KAWS white Chum companion)
KAWS CHUM (KAWS white Chum companion)

KAWS CHUM (KAWS white Chum companion)

By KAWS

Located in NEW YORK, NY

KAWS CHUM Companion 2022 (white): Published by KAWS to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his famed KAWS’ Chum character; "I can remember clearly packing and shipping the first CHUM...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary KAWS Art

Materials

Resin, Vinyl

KAWS Clean Slate Black (KAWS black clean slate companion)
KAWS Clean Slate Black (KAWS black clean slate companion)

KAWS Clean Slate Black (KAWS black clean slate companion)

By KAWS

Located in NEW YORK, NY

KAWS Clean Slate (Black), new & unopened in its original packaging. A well-received work and variation of KAWS' large scale Clean Slate sculpture - a key highlight of KAWS’ majo...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pop Art KAWS Art

Materials

Resin, Vinyl

KAWS - What Party - Pink - Pop Art
KAWS - What Party - Pink - Pop Art

KAWS - What Party - Pink - Pop Art

By KAWS

Located in Asheville, NC

KAWS is a multi-faceted artist straddling the worlds of art and design in his prolific body of work that ranges from paintings, murals, and large-scale sculptures to product design a...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pop Art KAWS Art

Materials

Plastic

KAWS TIME OFF (KAWS Time Off companion)
KAWS TIME OFF (KAWS Time Off companion)

KAWS TIME OFF (KAWS Time Off companion)

By KAWS

Located in NEW YORK, NY

KAWS TIME OFF Black: A highly decorative KAWS Companion featuring KAWS’ much popularized BFF Companion in a resting position. This highly collectible KAWS Companion was published ahe...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pop Art KAWS Art

Materials

Resin, Vinyl

Exposed, early (1999) softcover monograph published in France, edition of 2000
Exposed, early (1999) softcover monograph published in France, edition of 2000

Exposed, early (1999) softcover monograph published in France, edition of 2000

By KAWS

Located in New York, NY

KAWS Exposed, 1999 Early Illustrated softcover book with French folded flaps, published in Paris 8 4/5 × 6 1/5 inches Limited Edition of 2000 Published by Colette and printed by La P...

Category

1990s Street Art KAWS Art

Materials

Offset

KAWS, Lost Time, 2018, Screenprint in colours on wove paper, Edition of 100
KAWS, Lost Time, 2018, Screenprint in colours on wove paper, Edition of 100

KAWS, Lost Time, 2018, Screenprint in colours on wove paper, Edition of 100

By KAWS

Located in Bristol, GB

Screenprint in colours on wove paper Edition 55 of 100 81.3 x 135.3 cm (32 x 53.2 in) Signed and numbered on the front Mint Published by Pace Prints Our mission is to connect art co...

Category

2010s Contemporary KAWS Art

Materials

Screen

KAWS Flayed Companions 2016 (set of 2 KAWS flayed companions)
KAWS Flayed Companions 2016 (set of 2 KAWS flayed companions)

KAWS Flayed Companions 2016 (set of 2 KAWS flayed companions)

By KAWS

Located in NEW YORK, NY

KAWS Flayed Companion: Set of 2. KAWS grey flayed & KAWS brown flayed. Each, new and sealed in their original packaging. Published by Medicom Japan in conj...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pop Art KAWS Art

Materials

Resin, Vinyl

Complete Set of the "Changbai Mountain" KAWS Sculptures in 3 Colorways Korea
Complete Set of the "Changbai Mountain" KAWS Sculptures in 3 Colorways Korea

Complete Set of the "Changbai Mountain" KAWS Sculptures in 3 Colorways Korea

By KAWS

Located in Draper, UT

Released as a special edition in Korea in conjunction with the Snowy Mountain installation (pictured) Set of 3 Sculptures in Original Packaging and Sealed Unused, Undisplayed Stands ...

Category

2010s KAWS Art

Materials

Vinyl

KAWS Exposed 1999 (KAWS 1999 artist book)
KAWS Exposed 1999 (KAWS 1999 artist book)

KAWS Exposed 1999 (KAWS 1999 artist book)

By KAWS

Located in NEW YORK, NY

KAWS EXPOSED: KAWS Artist Monograph, 1st edition, 1999: KAWS Exposed 1999: A highly collectible & much sought after photo-book of KAWS 1990’s street art - this publication uniquely stands out as the artist’s first monograph; featuring brilliant photos of 31 of KAWS’ ‘augmented’ posters – the original phone-booth and bus-shelter posters that would first put the artist on the map. Cover image: KAWS Running Chum. Softcover; offset printed artist book. 30+ pages. English. 6 x 9 inches. A fine impression in very good overall vintage condition. Unsigned from an edition of 2000. Published Colette Paris, 1999. More on KAWS: KAWS is an American graffiti artist and designer known for his toys, paintings, and prints. Born Brian Donnelly on November 4, 1974 in Jersey City, NJ, KAWS graduated with a BFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York and went on to work in animation. “When your whole art is based on the lettering you choose, you kinda figure out what ones work together. I just liked the shapes of the k, a, w, s,” he explained of his moniker. Having started as a graffiti artist in New York in the early 1990s, KAWS began reworking advertisements in his distinctive style. Pop Art and culture permeate his cartoonish Companion series of figurines, which bear a resemblance to the works of Takashi Murakami. KAWS worked together with Nike in 2017 to produce an Air Jordan 4 shoe and has done multiple collaborations with the clothing brand Uniqlo, continuing to blur the boundaries between fine and commercial art. The artist is also known for his large scale public installations, such as 2019’s KAWS: Holiday which was installed in the Hong Kong harbor during Basel Hong Kong. In 2019, THE KAWS ALBUM (2005) sold at auction for a record $14.8 million, breaking his previous record of $2.7 million which was set in 2018. This work is a take on the Beatles' famous 1967 album cover for Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, but instead replaced with characters from The Simpsons with the artist's signature Xs drawn across their eyes and skull. After years in the industry, KAWS gained approval from his peers in the street art world and more recently prestige from the museum and gallery worlds. Today, his work can be found in the collections at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, and the Rosenblum Collection in Paris. KAWS currently lives and works in Brooklyn, NY. Related Categories: KAWS 1999...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pop Art KAWS Art

Materials

Paper

KAWS BFF KAWS TAKE (set of 2 KAWS companions)
KAWS BFF KAWS TAKE (set of 2 KAWS companions)

KAWS BFF KAWS TAKE (set of 2 KAWS companions)

By KAWS

Located in NEW YORK, NY

KAWS BFF Black & KAWS TAKE Black (set of 2 KAWS Companions): A well-received KAWS figure set featuring KAWS' smaller scale BFF sculpture originally on display in Los Angeles's Playa Vista neighborhood: and a variation of KAWS' large scale TAKE sculpture - a key highlight of the exhibition, 'KAWS BLACKOUT’ at Skarstedt Gallery London in 2019 - the first London solo exhibition by KAWS. Each new/never displayed and accompanied by full original packaging. Medium: Painted Vinyl Cast Resin (applies to each). TAKE: 13.4 x 6 inches. BFF: 13 x 5.7 x 3.25 inches. Condition: each new, unopened in original boxes. Each from a sold out edition of unknown. Stamped on the underside of each foot. Shipped securely from New York, NY. KAWS uses two of his characters here to convey opposing human attitudes. In the sculpture TAKE, the BFF holds a child Companion defensively, pulling it back in a gesture of mistrust as if to prevent someone else from touching it; the child cowed looks to the ground, the fear is transferred. In SHARE, the Companion is secure and looks outward, holding but not attached to the toy in its hand. KAWS’ figures...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary KAWS Art

Materials

Resin, Vinyl

KAWS: Time Off Black Vinyl Figure, 2010+, Authentic Art Toy
KAWS: Time Off Black Vinyl Figure, 2010+, Authentic Art Toy

KAWS: Time Off Black Vinyl Figure, 2010+, Authentic Art Toy

By KAWS

Located in New York, NY

'KAWS: TIME OFF Black' Vinyl Figure is a black vinyl and resin art toy posed in a relaxed, lounging manner. The figurine is a marvelous addition to any surface area, and is able to b...

Category

2010s KAWS Art

Materials

Plastic, Acrylic Polymer

KAWS CHUM pink (KAWS Chum pink)
KAWS CHUM pink (KAWS Chum pink)

KAWS CHUM pink (KAWS Chum pink)

By KAWS

Located in NEW YORK, NY

KAWS CHUM Companion 2022 (pink): Published by KAWS to commemorate the 20th anniversary of his famed KAWS’ Chum character; "I can remember clearly packing and shipping the first CHUM ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pop Art KAWS Art

Materials

Resin, Vinyl

KAWS -- Blame Game II
KAWS -- Blame Game II

KAWS -- Blame Game II

By KAWS

Located in BRUCE, ACT

KAWS Blame Game II from the Blame Game portfolio,, 2014 Screen print on Saunders Waterford High White paper Hand signed lower right Numbered PP 2/5 Sheet size: 89 x 58.5 cm Frame s...

Category

2010s KAWS Art

Materials

Screen

Small Lie companion figure in Grey

Small Lie companion figure in Grey

By KAWS

Located in Boca Raton, FL

Small Lie Companion Figure in Grey

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary KAWS Art

Materials

Resin

Passing Through (Black) Vinyl Sculpture, Contemporary, 21st Century
Passing Through (Black) Vinyl Sculpture, Contemporary, 21st Century

Passing Through (Black) Vinyl Sculpture, Contemporary, 21st Century

By KAWS

Located in Bristol, GB

Painted cast vinyl Edition of 500 (unnumbered, reported) Stamped on the underside of foot New, as issued. Some minor imperfections may exist given the nature of the material. Sold in...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary KAWS Art

Materials

Vinyl, Plastic

KAWS Clean Slate Black (KAWS black clean slate companion)
KAWS Clean Slate Black (KAWS black clean slate companion)

KAWS Clean Slate Black (KAWS black clean slate companion)

By KAWS

Located in NEW YORK, NY

KAWS Clean Slate (Black), new & unopened in its original packaging. A well-received work and variation of KAWS' large scale Clean Slate sculpture - a key highlight of KAWS’ majo...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pop Art KAWS Art

Materials

Vinyl, Resin

MBF: 'Man's Best Friend' X Silkscreen Print, Signed, 2016, Framed
MBF: 'Man's Best Friend' X Silkscreen Print, Signed, 2016, Framed

MBF: 'Man's Best Friend' X Silkscreen Print, Signed, 2016, Framed

By KAWS

Located in New York, NY

The specific information regarding edition will be provided at the time of sale. Please contact the seller for more details. The ‘Man's Best Friend' X by KAWS is a signed, numbered,...

Category

2010s KAWS Art

Materials

Screen

Man's Best Friend IV Screen Print by KAWS, Signed, 2016, Framed
Man's Best Friend IV Screen Print by KAWS, Signed, 2016, Framed

Man's Best Friend IV Screen Print by KAWS, Signed, 2016, Framed

By KAWS

Located in New York, NY

The specific information regarding edition will be provided at the time of sale. Please contact the seller for more details. The ‘Man's Best Friend' IV by KAWS is a signed, numbered...

Category

2010s KAWS Art

Materials

Screen

KAWS SMALL LIE Black (Black KAWS Small Lie Companion)
KAWS SMALL LIE Black (Black KAWS Small Lie Companion)

KAWS SMALL LIE Black (Black KAWS Small Lie Companion)

By KAWS

Located in NEW YORK, NY

KAWS SMALL LIE Companion: Black: Among KAWS’s signature “Companions,” Small Lie has the most childlike resonance. Clothed in overall shorts, the Pinocchio-inspired figure bows its he...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Pop Art KAWS Art

Materials

Resin, Vinyl

KAWS Pop Art Separated Screen Print
KAWS Pop Art Separated Screen Print

KAWS Pop Art Separated Screen Print

By KAWS

Located in Draper, UT

Silkscreen on Screen print on Stonehenge Steel Grey 250gms 20 × 16 in 50.8 × 40.6 cm Edition 197 of 250 KAWS is a multi-faceted artist straddling the worlds of art and design in his...

Category

2010s KAWS Art

Materials

Screen

Kaws art for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a wide variety of authentic KAWS art available for sale on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing the collection of art to introduce a pop of color in a neutral corner of your living room or bedroom, you can find work that includes elements of blue, pink, purple and other colors. You can also browse by medium to find art by KAWS in paint, synthetic resin paint, vinyl paint and more. Much of the original work by this artist or collective was created during the 21st century and contemporary and is mostly associated with the Pop Art style. Not every interior allows for large KAWS art, so small editions measuring 2 inches across are available. Customers who are interested in this artist might also find the work of Peter Max, Robert Indiana, and Heidler & Heeps. KAWS art prices can differ depending upon medium, time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $125 and tops out at $200,000, while the average work can sell for $1,970.
Questions About KAWS Art
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
    Yes, there are fake KAWS. Unfortunately, the rising popularity of KAWS figures has brought a proliferation of fakes. To avoid purchasing a replica, familiarize yourself with the nuances of a specific model and study images of authentic figures. Is the color right? Many fakes get the nuances wrong, so be sure to compare the color of your figure to those shown in images of authentic pieces. How about the finish? Check if your particular figure should be matte or shiny. Are there discrepancies in the X’s of the eyes or the placement of design features? For example, a four-foot KAWS Dissected Companion should have 10 dots for the ribs. Many fakes only have nine. You can also seek the opinion of a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer when attempting to authenticate a specific figure. On 1stDibs, explore a selection of KAWS art.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Brooklyn, New York artist KAWS uses a variety of mediums for his work, with acrylic painting, screen prints and sculptures being the most predominant. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic KAWS pieces from some of the world’s top sellers.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024
    What is so special about KAWS is that the American artist creates imaginative pieces that appropriate pop phenomena like the Smurfs, the Simpsons and SpongeBob SquarePants. He is particularly well known for his toys, including his debut figure, Companion, inspired by Mickey Mouse. He has also teamed up with streetwear brands like A Bathing Ape and Supreme and collaborated with designer Kim Jones on the Dior Homme Spring/Summer 2019 collection. Find a range of KAWS art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
    KAWS brand is a term that some people apply to the pieces produced by the artist KAWS. But technically, KAWS is a person — Brian Donnelly — and not a brand. He creates all kinds of art. There are KAWS figures and toys, sculptures and colorful drawings, paintings and prints that appropriate pop phenomena like the Smurfs, the Simpsons and SpongeBob SquarePants. In 1999, KAWS partnered with Bounty Hunter, a Japanese toy and streetwear brand, to release his first toy. Companion, an eight-inch-tall vinyl reimagining of Mickey Mouse with a skull-and-crossbones head and trademark XX eyes, debuted with a limited run of 500. It sold out quickly. Companion was the first of more than 130 toy designs, which came to include such characters as Chum, Blitz, Be@rbrick, BFF and Milo, each immediately recognizable as KAWS figures by their XX eyes. You will sometimes see people refer to these toys as KAWS brand figurines. Shop a diverse assortment of KAWS art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2024
    Some art lovers feel that canvas prints are worth it. Due to their materials, canvas prints more closely resemble paintings than other types of prints, making them appealing to those who want that classic gallery look for less. Also, canvas prints that feature gallery-wrapped construction allow the artwork to be the center of focus. However, there are many other types of prints to consider for your space. Options include wood prints, metal prints, fabric prints and more traditional paper prints. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of art prints.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024
    Yes, some acrylic paintings may be worth money. Many well-known artists have used acrylics to produce paintings. Among them are Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Robert Motherwell, Bridget Riley, Kenneth Noland, Mark Rothko, Roy Lichtenstein and Helen Frankenthaler. Paintings by these and other famous artists can be worth a considerable amount. Generally, some factors that contribute to the potential value of a painting are artist, size, historical significance and condition. To find out how much a particular acrylic painting in your collection may be worth, consult a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer. Shop a wide variety of paintings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 10, 2025
    Only 500 KAWS Companions were made in the first limited edition run. To produce the series of figures, KAWS partnered with the manufacturer Toy Hunter. The original Companions hit the market in 1999 and sold out quickly. Find a diverse assortment of KAWS art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024
    KAWS uses acrylic paint for many of his works. The artist has said in the past that he has custom paints produced for him by the company Golden. When painting his figurines, KAWS uses a technique that makes the brushstrokes virtually invisible. Find a variety of KAWS art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    The most popular KAWS art is a topic that is open to debate. However, his first-ever toy design is a favorite among collectors. Called COMPANION, it is an eight-inch-tall vinyl reimagining of Mickey Mouse with a skull-and-crossbones head and trademark XX eyes. COMPANION debuted with a limited run of 500 and sold out quickly. Find an assortment of KAWS figures on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
    What makes KAWS’s art unique is the artist's innovative approach to his work. The American artist seamlessly blends elements of Pop art, street art and popular culture into his pieces. He is known for putting a creative spin on familiar characters and his playful figurines, which often feature double-X eyes. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of art by KAWS.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 14, 2024
    There is no owner of KAWS. KAWS is not a company or a business; it is the name of artist Brian Donnelly. He got his start as a graffiti artist in New Jersey and used the tag KAWS to sign his work because he liked the way it looked. Today, KAWS creates all kinds of art. There are KAWS figures and toys, sculptures and colorful drawings, paintings and prints that appropriate pop culture phenomena like the Smurfs, the Simpsons and SpongeBob SquarePants. Shop a variety of KAWS art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Many people consider KAWS’s art type to be Pop art. The style first emerged in the 1950s. In stark contrast to traditional artistic practice, Pop art’s practitioners drew on imagery from popular culture, using things like comic books, advertising, product packaging and other commercial media to create original paintings, prints and sculptures that celebrated ordinary life in the most literal way. In his work, KAWS similarly appropriates pop phenomena like Mickey Mouse, the Smurfs, the Simpsons and SpongeBob SquarePants. Shop a selection of KAWS art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 21, 2024
    What KAWS’s art means is open to interpretation. In the late 1990s, the artist, a 1996 graduate of New York’s School of Visual Arts, was making a living as an illustrator for the animation studio Jumbo Pictures. Like young Hansel and Gretel with their trail of crumbs, KAWS would mark the morning route to his downtown Manhattan office with “subvertising,” “interrupting” fashion advertisements by adding his colorful character Bendy, its sinuous length sliding playfully around the likes of a Calvin Klein perfume bottle or supermodel Christy Turlington. Companion is now the most visible of the KAWS posse, appearing over the past decade in new postures and combinations in monumental works. KAWS’s visual language may be drawn from cartoons, but his work doesn’t necessarily evoke childlike joy. “My figures are not always reflecting the idealistic cartoon view that I grew up on,” he explained in the catalogue for an exhibition at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, in Texas. “Companion is more real in dealing with contemporary human circumstances . . . . I think when I’m making work it also often mirrors what’s going on with me at that time.” On 1stDibs, find a diverse assortment of KAWS art.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
    KAWS doesn't stand for anything, as the name is not an abbreviation. Rather, it is the artistic alias of Brian Donnelly. The name dates back to the start of his career, when he was a street artist known by his tag, KAWS. In interviews, Donnelly has explained that he chose the name KAWS simply because he likes how it looks. Shop a collection of KAWS art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024
    KAWS is so popular in China because his artwork appeals to a young demographic that is interested in the bold yet playful style of his figurines, toys, sculptures, prints and other works. The unique street art style of KAWS’s works has broad appeal beyond China as well. His pieces that appropriate elements of pop culture, such as SpongeBob Squarepants and The Simpsons, are especially famous. Shop a wide variety of KAWS art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    Yes, KAWS is real art. Although Brian Donnelly, the artist known as KAWS, often draws inspiration from popular culture, his art includes sculptures and colorful drawings, paintings and prints. His iconic toys and figures also qualify as art, and like prints, they're sold in limited qualities. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of KAWS art from some of the world's top dealers and galleries.
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024
    Yes, KAWS is a real artist. Born Brian Donnelly, he got his start as a graffiti artist in his hometown of Jersey City, New Jersey. KAWS was his tag, chosen simply because he liked how it looked. Today, KAWS creates all kinds of art, including figures and toys, sculptures and colorful drawings, paintings and prints that appropriate pop phenomena like the Smurfs, the Simpsons and SpongeBob SquarePants. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of KAWS art.
  • 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 10, 2025
    The exact number of Jordan 4 X KAWS that were made is unknown. However, the collaboration sneaker was a limited edition, so it is safe to assume that fewer pairs were produced than what is typical of other Jordan 4 colorways. The collaborative design features a gray suede upper, custom footbeds and a glow-in-the-dark sole. Find a collection of KAWS art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A KAWS figure is a toy or figurine comparable to an action figure, created by the American artist, Brian Donnelly, who is known professionally as KAWS. Called ‘companions’, the figures are in KAWS’ signature style, and monster-size versions have been seen everywhere from Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbor to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Shop a selection of KAWS pieces from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.
  • Irena Orlov ArtMarch 1, 2021
    Kaws' Companion is a clown-like figure based on a Mickey Mouse with X-ed out eyes.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    KAWS is famous for producing figures, toys, sculptures, drawings, paintings and prints that borrow from pop culture phenomena like the Smurfs, the Simpsons and SpongeBob SquarePants. In 1999, he partnered with Bounty Hunter, a Japanese toy and streetwear brand, to release his first toy. Called Companion, it was an 8-inch-tall vinyl reimagining of Mickey Mouse, with a skull-and-crossbones head and XX eyes. Companion debuted with a limited run of 500 and sold out quickly. The piece was the first of more than 130 toy designs by KAWS, which came to include such characters as Chum, Blitz, Be@rbrick, BFF and Milo, each immediately recognizable as KAWS figures by their XX eyes. Explore a selection of KAWS art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024
    KAWS art is the general term for works created by the American artist KAWS. He is best known for his more than 130 toy designs, which include such characters as Chum, Blitz, Be@rbrick, BFF and Milo, each immediately recognizable as his work by their XX eyes. In addition, KAWS produces sculptures, drawings, paintings and prints. On 1stDibs, shop a range of KAWS art.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    The word KAWS means an American artist. Born Brian Donnelly, KAWS adopted the name when he was active as a graffiti artist in New Jersey and New York. In interviews, he has explained that KAWS has no particular meaning to him. He simply chose the name because he liked how the characters looked. He is most well known for his line of whimsical figures with double-X eyes. Explore a range of KAWS art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 16, 2024
    No, Bearbrick and KAWS are not the same. However, they have collaborated with one another many times. KAWS is the pseudonym of the artist Brian Donnelly, while Bearbrick is a brand of collectible designer toys produced by the Japanese company MediCom Toy Incorporated. On 1stDibs, find a variety of KAWS art.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, KAWS are always produced in limited edition runs. KAWS is a New York-based artist who designs limited edition toys and clothing. He is known for creating figurines that mix both high- and low-brow art. Widely popular with pop culture enthusiasts and collectors, KAWS art can only be found through select retailers. Find a range of KAWS art for sale on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    KAWS is an American artist, toy and clothing designer. Born in New Jersey under the name Brian Donnelly, he became interested in graffiti very early on. He earned a BFA and began working for Disney. His artwork gained popularity and he began traveling and designing toys and clothing while continuing art and sculptures. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024
    The artist behind KAWS is Brian Donnelly. As a kid in Jersey City, New Jersey, he got into graffiti art, using KAWS as his tag. Today, KAWS creates a diverse range of art and design objects. There are KAWS figures and toys, sculptures, colorful drawings, paintings and prints that appropriate pop phenomena like the Smurfs, the Simpsons and SpongeBob SquarePants. On 1stDibs, shop a range of KAWS art.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
    A KAWS FAMILY set is a collection of four sculptures created by artist Brian “KAWS” Donnelly that come in a set. The term family refers to the fact that the set comprises two large and two small figures, so side by side, they resemble parents and children. Donnelly released the sets on September 13, 2021, in an assortment of colorways. On 1stDibs, find a selection of authentic KAWS sculptures.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Yes, artist Brian Donnelly, known professionally as KAWS, does make his own art. He admits he has a regimented schedule now that he has children, and finds that this has made him more productive, allowing him to focus on sculptures and paintings in the mornings. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from top artists.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 3, 2024
    How KAWS makes his sculptures varies. The New Jersey-born artist Brian “KAWS” Donnelly works with a variety of materials, including fiberglass, wood and bronze. By mixing up his techniques and experimenting with different mediums, KAWS can incorporate various colors and textures into his sculptures, figures and toys, and continues to innovate his practice.

    In 1999, KAWS partnered with Bounty Hunter, a Japanese toy and streetwear brand, to release his first toy. Companion was the first of more than 130 toy designs, which came to include such characters as Chum, Blitz, Be@rbrick, BFF and Milo, each immediately recognizable as KAWS figures by their XX eyes. Fans have proved insatiable (and counterfeiters have since taken notice).

    In 2017, MoMA’s online store announced the availability of a limited supply of KAWS Companion figures; as avid collectors logged on to stake their claim, the website crashed — multiple times.

    Find authentic KAWS art on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024
    What the KAWS character is called depends on which one you mean, as KAWS has created more than one. Companion is the most visible of the KAWS posse, appearing over the past decade in new postures and iterations in both monumental KAWS statues and small figures. The character is a reimagining of Mickey Mouse with a skull-and-crossbones head and trademark XX eyes. Other KAWS characters include Accomplice, Chum and Bendy. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of KAWS art.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The KAWS Take open edition is a type of vinyl figurine sold as a decorative object or work of art. Arton Contemporary produces the figurines in limited quantities. The open edition Take debuted in 2020. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of KAWS art.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 29, 2024
    To tell if a KAWS Companion is real, assess its overall quality. All authentic KAWS figures will feel solid and dense. If it’s hollow, it’s likely not a KAWS. And be skeptical of any product marked “factory error.” KAWS spends a great deal of time perfecting every limited-edition design and would never release a less-than-flawless creation. Smudged, deformed or misaligned details are highly unlikely on an authentic KAWS; it’s more probable that “factory error” and “sample” are simply more appealing terms for “unauthorized copy.” Also, look for the product’s correct year of creation and © KAWS stamped on the bottom of the doll. Some models should have the series name or toy manufacturer on them as well. Knowing the characteristics of the particular figure you're purchasing can also help you determine if the toy is authentic. When in doubt, enlist the help of a knowledgeable expert, such as a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of KAWS art.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024
    To tell if a KAWS doll is real, familiarize yourself with the details of the particular KAWS figure you are interested in purchasing. Learn what has been released. For example, was a certain model ever produced in a particular colorway? Or with certain dimensions? Look up images from reliable sources. The XX logo on a KAWS figure is one of the most recognizable features and can be a helpful indicator of authenticity if you know where to look for it. In many toys, it is incorporated into the anatomy or costume, like the six Xs on the Companion model. On the KAWS Separated and Passing Through Companion, it is on the hands and feet. Be wary of KAWS toys with Xs that are misaligned, smudged or show bleeding. Look closely to make sure the X eyes are symmetrical. If you need assistance with authentication, enlist the help of a certified appraiser or experienced art dealer. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of KAWS figures.
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 20, 2024
    To tell if a KAWS figure is real, first assess its overall quality. From the Companion to the Chum, all authentic KAWS figures will feel solid and dense. If it’s hollow, it’s likely not a KAWS.

    Be skeptical of any product marked “factory error.” KAWS spends a great deal of time perfecting every limited-edition design and would never release a less-than-flawless creation. Smudged, deformed or misaligned details are highly unlikely on an authentic KAWS; it’s more probable that “factory error” and “sample” are simply more appealing terms for “unauthorized copy.” Of course, if a figure is preowned and unboxed, a few dings and scratches may appear.

    Next, examine the details. An authentic box for a figure will have a hologram label that changes color as you move it. Is the box’s size correct? The color? How about the font size and spacing everywhere on the packaging? Does it have the correct design on the front? Inspect even the smallest detail — it may be the one that a lazy counterfeiter overlooked.

    As for the figure itself, again, every element counts. Is the color right? Many fakes get the nuances wrong, so be sure to compare the color of your figure to those shown in images of authentic pictures. How about the finish? Check if your particular figure should be matte or shiny. Are there discrepancies in the X of the eyes or the placement of design features? For example, a four-foot KAWS Dissected Companion should have 10 dots for the ribs. Many fakes only have nine.

    When in doubt about the authenticity of a piece, seek the help of a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert.

    On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of KAWS figures.