Longitudinal Chess Karimoku - BE@RBRICK
Karimoku Furniture has made a name for itself as one of Japan's leading artisan furniture producers. The company's history in the lumber industry led to an unparalleled mastery of woodworking. Karimoku has lent their woodworking talents to Medicom Toy as a creator of solid wood versions of popular figures. Together, Karimoku and Medicom Toy have teamed up with third-party brands to create high-quality, high-value collectibles for over 15 years. Karimoku has also created their own unique brand figures, as seen in the BE@BRICK line. The "BE@RBRICK Karimoku Longitudinal Chess 400%" figure shows off the best of Karimoku's artistry and design elements.
Karimoku and BE@RBRICK Collaboration Background
Karimoku partnered with Medicom Toy to produce wooden versions of their popular products. They produced the first wooden BE@RBRICK in 2005.
Collaboration Planning and Launch History
Medicom Toy first partnered with Karimoku on the BE@RBRICK line in 2005 as part of their KAWS collaboration. Karimoku produced their first brand name BE@RBRICK the following year as part of the Medicom Toy 10th anniversary. In 2012, Karimoku helped produce a glow-in-the-dark wooden BE@RBRICK figure for that year's Medicom Toy Exhibition. The collaboration expanded to include Karimoku BE@RBRICK themed apparel in 2013. Most of the Karimoku brand BE@RBRICKs show off the company's woodworking skills. Others incorporate specific types of wood, such as Hinoki Cypress or Zebrawood. Due to the labor and material involved, Karimoku BE@RBRICKs are some of Medicom Toys most expensive figures.
BE@RBRICK Karimoku Longitudinal Chess 400%
This solid wood BE@RBRICK from Medicom Toy features impressive craftsmanship and a finely detailed design. The figure comes from the skilled woodworkers at Karimoku, guaranteeing a high-quality that matches the figure's beauty. The bear features a light and dark wood as the base material. Alternating in a vertical pattern, the wood creates a layered effect that matches the figure's three-dimensional depth. With each level change, the alternating light and dark wood pattern reverses. This creates a striking longitudinal chess board-like pattern on the front of the bear. The lines between depth changes are rounded and organic, showing off the skills of the Karimoku artisans. While the bear's backside is flatter in design, the back of the head features wood pattern detailing. Notably, the entire head has been outlined with an inverted wood pattern for a subtle yet striking detail.
- Product Name: BE@RBRICK Karimoku Longitudinal Chess 400%
- Manufacturer: Medicom Toy
- Specifications: Painted & articulated wooden figure
- Height (Approx.): 280mm | 11"
Karimoku Background
Karimoku Furniture is a Japanese furniture company known for their high-quality materials and clean designs. The company's use of wood and seamless woodworking remains their most notable achievement.
Karimoku Background: History
Karimoku Furniture began as a lumber company during Japan's Edo period. Company founder Shohei Kato combined a lumber business with a woodworking shop in Aichi prefecture in 1940. The company got its start by producing spinning wheels to bolster machines during Japan's postwar reconstruction. Its production catalog expanded throughout the 1950s to include parts for sewing machines, TV stands, and other basic furniture. By the 1960s, the company had grown enough to start producing original interior furniture designs. The company adopted its current name in 1964 and started selling furniture throughout Japan. Karimoku Furniture's goal is to provide high-tech, high-touch, made in Japan furniture throughout the world. Today, the company sells furniture through partnered retailers throughout Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia.
Karimoku Background: Reception
Karimoku Furniture has cultivated a reputation based on their Quality First concept. As a result, the company has become synonymous with long-lasting, high-quality furniture and service. All purchases come with a lifelong repair guarantee in Japan as well. As a wooden furniture producer, Karimoku Furniture strives to make furniture that honors the slow-growing source material. However, the company also started taking measures to improve their environmental friendliness. In the late 1980s, Karimoku Furniture began using rubberwood as a material in their furniture. They also reuse the wood chips from furniture production to create their own particleboard.
Other Notable Karimoku Collaborations
Over the last 70 years, Karimoku has developed unique furniture lines based on a central concept or theme. The company has brought their concept-driven woodworking practice into collaborations to create quality, brand-specific furniture.
Karimoku Disney Collection
Karimoku teamed up with Disney to create character-inspired furniture and home goods. The OTONA Disney line includes a collection of mature, yet Mickey Mouse inspired furniture. The furniture takes its basic form from Karimoku's regal Colonial collection. For most of the pieces, Chestnut serves as the featured wood due to its timeless quality, matching the classic Disney character. Each piece features a small golden plaque that authenticates it as licensed Disney merchandise. The company also produced a line of child-friendly, character-themed home goods. The character line includes LED lamps, desk chairs, and desk mats incorporating motifs drawn from Mickey, Minnie, and the Disney princesses.
Links
BE@RBRICK Karimoku Longitudinal Chess 400%
BE@RBRICK Series
BE@BRICK Label
Karimoku Label