Brooklyn-based artist Brian Donnelly creates KAWS figures, which are limited-edition vinyl and cast-resin art toys. Signature crossed-out ‘X’ eyes and skull-and-crossbones heads identify them. Originally produced with Japanese brand Medicom Toy, these collectibles range from open-edition vinyl display pieces to rare gallery-grade sculptures that trade on major secondary art markets.
This guide covers the background of artist Brian Donnelly. It details core character designs such as the Companion, BFF, and Chum. It also explores major collaborations, public installations, practical methods for authenticating genuine figures, trusted places to buy, and essential guidelines for displaying and preserving vinyl art toys.
KAWS Figures: Essential Collecting Guide to Art Toys and Sculptures
Brooklyn-based artist Brian Donnelly creates KAWS figures, which are limited-edition vinyl and cast-resin art toys. Signature crossed-out ‘X’ eyes and skull-and-crossbones heads identify them. Originally produced with Japanese toy brand Medicom Toy, these figures range from open-edition vinyl display pieces to rare gallery-grade sculptures that trade on major secondary art markets.
The artist behind the figures: Brian Donnelly
Brian Donnelly, professionally known as KAWS, grew up in Jersey City. He launched his creative career after studying illustration at the School of Visual Arts in New York. In the late 1990s, he gained widespread notice by subverting street advertisements in bus shelters and phone booths across Manhattan. By painting over commercial models with his own distinct artistic style, Donnelly created a recognisable visual language rooted in graffiti, animation, and pop art critique.
He transitioned his work into three-dimensional art objects in 1999. First, he partnered with Japanese boutique label Bounty Hunter and manufacturer Medicom Toy. Next, this collaboration yielded the original Companion figure, marking a bridge between street culture and gallery fine art. Donnelly reinterpreted familiar animated icons like Mickey Mouse, Snoopy, Astro Boy, and the Smurfs. As a result, his figures resonate with pop culture fans and high-end art collectors alike. According to a report by Artsy in early 2025, KAWS’s work continues to command significant attention and value in the global art market.
Core character designs in the KAWS lineup
The universe of KAWS figures features several repeating characters, each characterized by specific silhouettes, postures, and emotional themes. Understanding these core figures helps collectors identify key releases across different eras:
- Companion: The flagship KAWS character featuring Mickey Mouse-inspired gloved hands, button shorts, bone-shaped skull ears, and crossed-out eyes. Variations include classic standing stances, sitting postures (“Passing Through”), and split-body anatomical cuts (“Dissected”).
- BFF: A furry, street-style figure inspired by Muppet-style puppets, characterized by long limbs, oversized globes for eyes, and a central nose bump. Popularized in bright blue, pink, and black vinyl finishes.
- Chum: A bulkier character inspired by the Michelin Man, constructed from stacked, inflated rubber tire rings and topped with the signature skull head.
- Accomplice: An early character design featuring long rabbit ears, a slender body, and smooth contours. This reflects Donnelly’s early exploration of soft sculpture forms.
- Small Lie: A figure based on Pinocchio, featuring a long, drooping wooden nose and a slumped stance that evokes themes of vulnerability and guilt.
- Clean Slate & Along the Way: Figures depicting adult Companions holding or carrying smaller character figures. These represent guidance, family, and emotional support.
Most KAWS figures are released in standard colorways, primarily grey (monochrome), brown (classic original palette), and black. Select releases feature vibrant accent colors such as blush pink, red, or teal.
Comparing popular KAWS figure characters
| Character | First Release | Key Visual Features | Typical Scale | Primary Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Companion | 1999 | Crossbone head, button shorts, white gloves, X eyes | 8 in – 16 in (Vinyl), 4 ft+ (Sculpture) | Painted Vinyl, Resin, Bronze |
| BFF | 2016 | Fluffy body texture, long limbs, protruding nose | 11 in – 15 in | Vinyl, Plush fabric |
| Chum | 2002 | Inflated Michelin-style layered body segments | 8 in – 13 in | Painted Vinyl |
| Accomplice | 2002 | Elongated rabbit ears, smooth torso, minimalist features | 8 in – 20 in | Vinyl, Plush fabric |
| Small Lie | 2017 | Extended pointed nose, overalls, stooped posture | 11 in | Painted Vinyl |
Key collaborations and global installations
The global footprint of KAWS figures expanded significantly through commercial fashion drops and public art installations. From 2006 to 2013, Donnelly co-ran the Tokyo boutique clothing and toy label OriginalFake alongside Medicom Toy. As a result, they produced some of the most sought-after vinyl figures in streetwear history.
High-fashion partnerships brought the figures into luxury spaces. For Kim Jones’s debut menswear show at Dior Homme in 2018, Donnelly constructed a 33-foot floral BFF centerpiece made of roses. He also produced limited-edition plush BFF figures dressed in custom Dior suits. Mass-market collaborations with Uniqlo UT made KAWS imagery globally accessible. These featured graphic t-shirts and small vinyl collectibles that sold out rapidly worldwide.
Public installations have also driven interest in the figures. The traveling exhibition series KAWS:HOLIDAY placed gigantic inflatable Companion figures in major world locations. For example, they floated in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour, rested near Mount Fuji in Japan, stationed in Taipei, and floated in Singapore. These monumental displays reinforced the global cultural presence of the characters.
How to identify authentic KAWS figures and spot counterfeits
Due to the high demand for KAWS collectibles, counterfeit figures are extremely common in online secondary markets. Verifying physical details and packaging standards is essential to guarantee authenticity before making a purchase.
- Foot and base stamps: Authentic Medicom Toy and KAWS figures feature crisp, deeply engraved text on the soles of their feet. Look for precise copyright notices (“KAWS”, “Medicom Toy”, and country of manufacture). Counterfeits often display shallow, smudged, or improperly aligned fonts.
- Seam lines and molding quality: Genuine vinyl figures have near-invisible seam lines where molded parts join. Counterfeit items frequently feature visible plastic flash ridges, rough mold lines down the sides of legs, or loose joints.
- Paint application: Official figures feature sharp paint lines around the gloves, eyes, and shorts. Counterfeit pieces often suffer from color bleeding, uneven matte coats, or overspray around the crossed-out eyes.
- Vinyl density and odor: High-grade vinyl makes authentic figures feel firm and heavy, with no chemical scent. Counterfeit figures feel unusually light, hollow, or flexible. As a result, they often emit a strong chemical plasticizer odor.
- Packaging and hologram security: Modern releases produced up through 2026 include official hologram stickers, custom printed cardboard boxes, and molded internal plastic clam shells. Verify that box artwork uses crisp color saturation rather than washed-out, low-resolution printing.
Before buying high-value pieces on unverified secondary platforms, double-check seller credentials and physical authentication markings to ensure authenticity. According to an early 2026 International Art Toy Association (IATA) statement, the global market for art toys, including KAWS figures, will grow by approximately 10% annually over the next five years. Increasing interest from younger collectors and rising online marketplaces drive this growth.
Where to buy authentic KAWS figures
Acquiring authentic KAWS figures requires knowing where to look based on whether you are seeking new releases or historical archive pieces:
- Primary online drops: Official new releases occur directly through KAWSONE, the artist’s official store platform. Museum shop portals, including the Brooklyn Museum and Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, also host authorized drops during dedicated exhibitions.
- Secondary verified marketplaces: Platforms such as StockX, GOAT, and Artsy utilize dedicated physical inspection procedures to authenticate figures before buyers receive them.
- Auction houses: Major auction houses such as Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Phillips regularly sell rare bronze sculptures, large-scale limited resin editions, and vintage Medicom drops.
Avoid buying figures listed on unverified auction sites at prices far below market value. For example, if a seller offers a brand-new open-edition figure for a fraction of its usual multi-hundred-dollar cost without original packaging, it is almost certainly a counterfeit.
Display and care guidelines for vinyl collectibles
Maintaining the condition of vinyl art toys is vital for keeping them visually pristine and preserving their market value over time:
Avoid placing figures in direct sunlight or near bright windows. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light fades vinyl pigments, turns white surfaces yellow, and degrades the protective clear coat. Displaying figures in climate-controlled rooms between 65°F and 72°F with balanced humidity prevents vinyl from warping or becoming sticky as plasticizers age.
Dust figures weekly using a soft microfiber cloth or a delicate makeup brush. Avoid chemical solvents, glass cleaners, alcohol wipes, or rough towels. These products can strip paint coatings or dull matte vinyl finishes. Store figures inside dust-proof acrylic display cabinets or glass cases to shield them from airborne dust and accidental falls.
Understanding market value and resale drivers
The secondary market value for KAWS figures ranges widely depending on rarity, condition, and edition type. Open edition figures—produced in ongoing runs without individual numbering—serve as entry points for collectors and typically maintain stable retail-adjacent values. In contrast, limited numbered editions (e.g., editions of 100, 250, or 500) appreciate significantly on secondary art markets.
To preserve maximum value, keep the original factory packaging intact. Having the original box, plastic blister pack, foam, and official documentation increases resale valuation over a loose display item. Minor paint scuffs, sun discoloration, or damaged boxes will measurably lower secondary market valuation.
Sources: Kaws
Frequently asked questions
What is the most expensive KAWS figure ever sold?
A buyer set the record for the highest price paid for a KAWS artwork at auction with a large painting titled The KAWS Album. Among standalone figure sculptures, original early-edition bronze and resin Companions routinely achieve prices exceeding $100,000 to $400,000 at international art auctions.
Are KAWS figures good investments?
Limited numbered editions, early Medicom releases, and rare exhibition sculptures have historically shown strong market appreciation. However, because manufacturers produce open-edition vinyl drops in larger quantities, buyers should collect pieces primarily for personal artistic enjoyment rather than speculative gain.
Where can I buy authentic KAWS figures online?
You can buy authentic KAWS figures directly during new drops at KAWSONE or authorized museum gift shops. For secondary market figures, use verified platforms like StockX, Artsy, or major auction houses that inspect items for physical authentication before delivery.
What does the ‘X’ symbol represent on KAWS figures?
The signature crossed-out ‘X’ eyes originated in KAWS’s early street art days, serving as a trademark graphic signature that replaces the lively expression of commercial cartoon characters with a striking, simplified emblem of detachment and mortality.
