First EDITION HELLO KITTY CLAY PLAN - Pink

Self-produced art toys are designer collectibles created and manufactured independently by the artist or small teams without the backing of a large toy company or mass-market brand. These toys are often highly personal, artistic expressions and are usually made in limited runs. Key Characteristics include independent creation where the artist is in control of the entire process from concept, sculpting, and painting to production and packaging. These are usually made in small batches, often 10–100 pieces, which adds to their rarity, made using materials like resin, sofubi (Japanese soft vinyl), or 3D-printed components. Dehara Yukinori is a prominent Japanese artist and toy designer, well-known for his work in the designer toy scene, particularly for his contributions to kaiju (monster) and pop surrealism inspired vinyl figures. His toys are characterized by their playful, quirky, and often humorous designs, making them beloved in the art toy community. Dehara’s aesthetic is distinct, with his works often blending childlike innocence with a touch of the strange and surreal, creating figures that are both endearing and mysterious. Hello Kitty is a globally recognized character created by the Japanese company Sanrio in 1974. Designed by Yuko Shimizu, Hello Kitty (known in Japan as “Kitty White”) is a white anthropomorphic cat with a red bow on her left ear and a simple, cute design that has made her an icon of kawaii culture (the Japanese concept of “cute”). Over the years, Hello Kitty has become one of the most iconic and enduring characters in pop culture, representing not only childhood innocence but also a lifestyle brand that extends across multiple industries.