BATTI Yoki x Abao

Self-produced art toys are designer collectibles created and manufactured independently by the artist or small teams without the backing of a large toy company or mass-market brand. These toys are often highly personal, artistic expressions and are usually made in limited runs. Key Characteristics include independent creation where the artist is in control of the entire process from concept, sculpting, and painting to production and packaging. These are usually made in small batches, often 10–100 pieces, which adds to their rarity, made using materials like resin, sofubi (Japanese soft vinyl), or 3D-printed components. Abao is a Chinese artist known for creating adorable and whimsical designer toys, often featuring round, chubby animal characters with a soft, pastel aesthetic. One of Abao’s most popular creations is the Abaguru series, which showcases a chubby cat with various expressions and playful poses. The artist’s work blends elements of cuteness (kawaii) with a dreamy, fantasy-like atmosphere, making the figures highly collectible. Abao’s art toys are typically made from soft vinyl (sofubi) or resin and are frequently released in limited editions, making them sought-after by collectors. The artist collaborates with various toy brands and platforms to produce exclusive colorways and special releases. Abao’s style is characterized by a warm, nostalgic feel, appealing to fans of cute and character-driven art toys. Yoyo Yeung is a Hong Kong-based illustrator and designer renowned for her imaginative art toys and original characters. She graduated with a degree in Illustration from the University of the Arts London’s Camberwell College of Arts. In 2018, she established Yoyo Yeung Studio, focusing on artistic illustrations, sculptures, storybooks, and designer toys.  Yoyo’s creations are inspired by her visits to the London Natural History Museum, where she marveled at the diversity of Earth’s species. This fascination led her to develop unique characters that blend human and animal traits, each with its own narrative and personality.