Michael Lau Gardener Maharishi Nike

Step into the extraordinary world of collectible art with the exclusive Art Toy set crafted by the legendary Michael Lau to commemorate Gardener’s 7th birthday. This remarkable set is a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the boundless imagination of one of the most influential figures in the world of designer toys.

At the heart of this collection, 50 sets worldwide, are seven magnificent Crylon spray cans, each standing tall at 38 cm (14.96 inches) and boasting a vibrant array of colors. But what truly sets this set apart is the inclusion of the prototype can, making it the only complete set of its kind in the world. This rare gem adds an unparalleled level of exclusivity and prestige to an already extraordinary collection.

Each Crylon spray can is accompanied by its inner and outer box, meticulously preserved and some even signed by Michael Lau himself, the revered Godfather of designer toys. Within these boxes lie two figures, NYFat and Tatto, exquisitely crafted in the same color as the graffiti can they inhabit. Some figures and their accessories remain sealed in their original plastic bags, adding to the pristine condition of this magnificent collection.

But the allure doesn’t end there. The set also includes accessories fit for urban royalty, including a jacket designed by Maharishi in London for NYFAT, a t-shirt for Tatto, and miniature spray cans, adding depth and character to an already mesmerizing ensemble.

Stored in a dry, sunlight-free environment in a smoke-free setting for over a decade, this collection has stood the test of time and remains in fantastic condition, ready to captivate and inspire enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Shipping included.

Michael Lau, a visionary artist and pioneer in the world of designer toys, has left an indelible mark on the industry with his unparalleled creativity and relentless pursuit of artistic excellence. Renowned for his distinctive style and innovative approach, Lau’s work transcends boundaries, blending art, design, and toy culture to create timeless masterpieces that resonate with audiences around the globe.

Elevate your collection and immerse yourself in the legacy of Michael Lau with this exceptional Art Toy set, a testament to the power of creativity and imagination.

The set will be shipped insured overseas in a custom made wooden crate. Cost of transport to the US, Euro 450, is crate included.

Urban vinyl is a type of designer toy, featuring action figures in particular which are usually made of vinyl. Although the term is sometimes used interchangeably with the term designer toy, it is more accurately used as a modifier: not all designer toys can be considered urban vinyl, while urban vinyl figures are necessarily designer toys, by virtue of the way in which they are produced. Like designer toys in general, urban vinyl figures feature original designs, small production numbers, and are highly sought-after by collectors, predominantly adults.

The urban vinyl trend was initiated by artist Michael Lau, who first created urban vinyl figures in Hong Kong in the late 1990s. Other well-known creators of urban vinyl figures are Japanese artist and designer Takashi Murakami whose work has been exhibited in the Museum of Contemporary Art, Tokyo, and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and Australian designer Nathan Jurevicius's Scarygirl, based on characters from his comic of the same name, and produced in conjunction with Hong Kong company Flyingcat.

Urban vinyl figures are designed primarily by musicians, DJs, illustrators, and graffiti artists from urban areas in Asia (especially Japan and Hong Kong), North America (especially the United States), and Europe.

An offshoot of hip hop and youth-oriented popular culture, urban vinyl often depicts real-life figures from Asian and American culture, particularly artists who perform in a hip-hop or related styles. Noteworthy examples are Lau's depiction of the LMF rappers from Hong Kong, and figures based on the members of the virtual band Gorillaz, produced by Jamie Hewlett and made by Kidrobot.

A toy may be designed entirely by a single artist, including the body, clothing, accessories, and paint applications, or one artist may create a sculpt for a figure and another artist may apply paint and other finishing details. Some pieces are a collaborative effort, with as many as 12 different artists contributing to the final design.

Urban vinyl is commonly designated as either Eastern Vinyl, including anything designed and produced in Asia or Australia, or Western Vinyl, encompassing pieces which are designed and produced in North America, South America, or Europe. Urban vinyl figures have become highly collectible. Rare pieces may sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.