Salvator Michael (Shanghai Edition)

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. Michael Lau is a Hong Kong-based artist, designer, and toy pioneer widely regarded as the “godfather of designer toys.” He is best known for his Gardener series, a groundbreaking collection of urban vinyl figures that fused street culture, skateboarding, and hip-hop aesthetics with collectible toy design. Lau started his career as an illustrator and painter before transitioning into 3D art in the late 1990s. His Gardener series, first introduced in 1999, featured stylized characters inspired by street fashion and graffiti, influencing an entire generation of toy designers. His work often includes exaggerated proportions, articulated joints, and a rough, hand-sculpted aesthetic that gives his figures a raw, DIY feel. Beyond toys, Lau has expanded into fine art, fashion, and collaborations with major brands like Nike, Puma, and Medicom Toy. His ability to merge art, pop culture, and commercial design has solidified his legacy as one of the most influential figures in the designer toy movement.