BE@RBRICK Utagawa Kuniyoshi “The Haunted Old Palace at Soma” (100%+400%)

Description

Utagawa Kuniyoshi is one of the most important masters of Japanese Ukiyo-e woodblock printing and became famous primarily for his dramatic depictions of warriors, ghosts, and supernatural beings. His triptych “Sōma no furudairi” – known in English as “The Haunted Old Palace at Soma” – created around 1845, is considered one of the most iconic works in Japanese art history. It depicts a scene from the tale of Princess Takiyasha, who conjures dark magic in the ruined palace of her deceased father Taira no Masakado, summoning a gigantic skeleton ghost that confronts the warriors of Ōya no Mitsukuni. Medicom Toy has now immortalized this masterpiece as a Bearbrick set, impressively merging Edo-period art with contemporary collector culture.

The design of this Bearbrick is simply breathtaking. The entire body of both figures is fully printed with the original woodblock motif, so that the monumental skeleton – the so-called Gashadokuro – extends across the head, torso, and limbs. Bone-white skulls and rib cages stand out strikingly against the dark, blue-green, and earthy background, while accents in warm ochre tones, red, and gold bring the scene to life. On the front of the torso, Kuniyoshi’s characteristic orange-red artist’s seal with Japanese characters is clearly visible – an authentic detail that underlines the art-historical origin of the motif. The back shows further scenes from the triptych, including figures in traditional clothing amidst the ghostly palace. Every detail – from the delicate bone structures and the flowing fabrics of the garments to the dramatic cloud formations – has been transferred with impressive precision onto the three-dimensional Bearbrick form.

The set includes a 100% figure with a height of approx. 7 cm and a 400% figure with a height of approx. 28 cm. While the smaller figure reproduces the overall motif in a compressed way, appearing like a miniature art object, the larger 400% version unfolds the full impact of the woodblock motif – here, individual skeletal parts, faces, and ornaments can be admired in detail. The combination of traditional Japanese art and the modern Bearbrick format makes this model an exceptional collector’s item that appeals equally to Ukiyo-e lovers and Bearbrick enthusiasts.

Whether as the centerpiece of an art collection, as a striking decorative object, or as a thoughtful gift for connoisseurs of Japanese culture – this Bearbrick combines centuries of art tradition with modern design demands. Kuniyoshi’s dark elegance, captured on the iconic bear silhouette, creates a real eye-catcher in any room. Secure this unique piece before it sells out.