Michael Lau “NY FAT Gardener London” – Urban Vinyl Art Toy (2003)
Michael Lau
Michael Lau “NY FAT Gardener London” – Urban Vinyl Art Toy (2003)
Designer: Michael Lau
Released by: Crazy Smiles, 2003
Height: 14 cm / 5.5 inches
Includes: 2 Crylon NY Fat spray cans, original packaging
Condition: Excellent – stored away from light in a smoke-free, climate-controlled environment; never displayed
A rare and iconic piece from the early golden age of designer toys, “NY FAT Gardener London” is part of the acclaimed Gardener series by legendary Hong Kong artist Michael Lau, widely regarded as the godfather of urban vinyl. This particular figure, released in 2003 by Crazy Smiles, represents Lau’s inventive fusion of street culture, hip-hop aesthetics, and collectible sculpture—defining hallmarks of the art toy movement.
Sculpted with Lau’s signature exaggerated style, the figure stands 14 cm (5.5 inches) tall and comes with two removable “Crylon NY Fat” spray cans, a playful nod to classic graffiti culture. This edition retains its original packaging—a collectible in its own right—and has been meticulously preserved, never displayed or exposed to direct sunlight, and kept in a smoke-free home.
About the Artist: Michael Lau
Michael Lau (b. 1970) is a pioneering Hong Kong artist and designer whose work helped launch the global urban vinyl movement in the late 1990s. A graduate of the Hong Kong Design Institute, Lau began his career as a painter and illustrator before gaining international acclaim for his Gardener series—customizable figures based on streetwear, skateboarding, and graffiti culture. His work has been exhibited in leading art fairs and galleries from Tokyo to New York, and his influence can be seen in everything from sneaker collaborations to museum retrospectives. Often compared to KAWS and Takashi Murakami, Lau remains a seminal figure in the intersection of pop art and collectible culture.
Why Collectors Want It
Early 2000s urban vinyl rarity
From the foundational Gardener series
Complete with accessories & original packaging
A piece of designer toy history by a genre-defining artist
A must-have for serious designer toy collectors, street art enthusiasts, and fans of contemporary Asian pop culture.
NY Fat will be shipped insured overseas. Shipping and insurance are included in the price.
Colors may slightly vary due to photographic lighting sources or your monitor settings.
Wear consistent with age and use.
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