Art Whore

#AWTR – Manjusagi sofvi – Jam Jelly Donut one off (from the Soft Vinyl Sydney Series of 3 One Offs) – by ‘Tovi’

6 February 2017

  • Produced By = ‘Tovi’ (Australia)
  • Figure Name = Manjusagi
  • Custom By = ‘Tovi’
  • Release Details = Manjusagi sofvi – Jam Jelly One Off (from the Soft Vinyl Sydney Donut Series of 3 One Offs)
  • Material = Sofubi (made in Japan soft vinyl)
  • Country of Production = Japan w/custom work done in Australia
  • Height = 3cm
  • Length = 5cm
  • Width = 3cm
  • No of Parts = 1
  • Other = Comes packed in cardboard box
  • Released = January 2017 at the ‘Soft Vinyl Sydney’ show
  • Sculpt Debut = 2014
  • Release Price = $ AU 40–
  • Genre = Sofvi

Read the full review and pics after the jump…

Back Info

The Manjusagi sofvi figure is designed by Australian based artist TOVI. Of Vietnamese background, Tovi works as a doctor for her day job, making art and toys in her spare time. The Manjusagi being the debut and thus far only figure from her.

Impressively, in the 3 or so years of the figures’ existence, Tovi has created countless variations and customs. All with her super cute and super sweet aesthetic. With most making reference to food or drinks.

This version was from the ‘Soft Vinyl Sydney’ show held in January 2017 in Sydney, Australia. For the show, Tovi produced 3 one off Manjusagi, all donut themed.

This one off being a loving tribute to jam filled donuts!

Topping off the piece, each figure comes in a box designed by fellow Australian Shane Haddy of ‘Hints and Spices’. A sign that whilst small, the Australian Art Toy Scene is both loyal and supportive.

The Sculpt

Very basic, minimal and overflowing with personality.

The Manjusagi is a mouse like creature with round body, 2 ears, eyes, a tiny oval tail and a cute rabbit rose / mouth.

A simple and evocative sculpt.

The Vinyl

The figure is made out of Japanese sofubi.

This release being done on what appears to be blank white vinyl.

The Custom Work

HOLY CRAP THE CUSTOM WORK IS OFF THE CHAIN. We have never ever seen or handled custom work on a toy that is this perfect and unique. The whole thing looks edible! A perfect tribute to the jam donut we all know and love!

The intricate and detailed custom work involves: red super glossy paint on the tail, white crystal like icing on top, black dots for eyes – made by inserting stems into the vinyl, and a base coat of cream and soft brown.

It looks good enough to eat. 🙂

(Pictures below of the 3 figures in the series and their donut inspiration)

Playability

* Can it Stand = No
* Can it Sit = Yes
* Is it Easily Breakable = Breakable – No. But the custom icing work is very textured and could easily be chipped off.
* Accessories = None

Overall these figures have standard playability. Nothing groundbreaking. But also nothing lacking.

The figure is small and contains only one part.

It is prone to damage thanks to the icing work – but could still be taken outside for trips and photos. We’d avoid getting it wet that said.

Flaw(s)?

The custom work is beautiful. The vinyl is simple and flawless.

No flaws at all.

The is a perfect object of design and craftsmanship.

(Pictures below of the figure)

Summery

We must admit this figure isn’t for us – it’s cute as all hell. It’s fun. It’s a tribute to all things sweet and sugary for gods sake! It’s the exact opposite of the art toys we usually buy for ourselves – the Manjusagi isn’t creepy. It doesn’t look like it came from the nightmares of some disturbed child. Nor is it clunky and odd. So in that sense it’s not for us.

(…Well, except as a snack for our more odd looking kaiju. And in that sense it is kinda perfect – just place a Manjusagi on another toy’s hand, position near it’s mouth. And BAM! Your Manjusagi becomes perfect kaiju food… Yummmm!)

THAT all said – dear god do we admire and respect this figure and the artist behind it: It IS a work of art. Is IS something new in the oft repetitive world of art toys. It DOES have amazing and highly technical custom work.

It is a god damn perfect work of pop art.

And it just so happens to be a damn cool toy as well.

In summery – If you like things cute and sweet, well we can’t recommend buying a Manjusagi enough!

…No matter what your sweet-tooth and taste in cute, we have no doubt Tovi will have already released, or will soon release a Manjusagi just for you.

(Picture below of a Manjusagi about to be eaten by a hungry Oltretomba)

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