Companion (Karimoku Version)
Medium: Wood
Year: 2011
Dimensions: 10 1/2 (H) x 5 (W) x 3 1/2 (D) inches (27x13x9 cm)
Edition: 100
Co-published by OriginalFake and Karimoku, Tokyo
Produced by Medicom Toy and OriginalFake, Tokyo
Signed and numbered in ink to underside ‘KAWS../100’
Engraved manufacturer’s mark to underside ‘カリモク OriginalFake’
A particularly distinguished interpretation of the Companion figure appears in the wooden edition produced in collaboration with Karimoku, a company internationally recognized for its mastery of fine woodworking and furniture production. Created by KAWS in a limited edition of 100, this version represents one of the most refined material translations of the artist’s iconic character.
Unlike the vinyl figures produced in partnership with Medicom Toy, the Karimoku Companion is meticulously carved from solid wood, allowing the natural grain and tonal variations of the material to play a central aesthetic role. The organic texture of the wood replaces the graphic intensity of painted surfaces, bringing warmth and depth to the sculpture. Every curve of the character, from the rounded skull marked by KAWS’s signature X-shaped eyes to the simplified limbs and oversized shoes, appears softened by the richness of the wood grain, giving the object a markedly different visual presence.
“When I was younger …
There was a lot of ‘this is fine art’ or ‘this is not fine art’;
‘this is commercial’, ‘this is high art’.
In my mind I thought, art’s purpose is to communicate and reach people. Whichever outlet that’s being done through is the right one.”
The change in material fundamentally alters the way the figure is perceived. While the vinyl versions remain closely associated with the world of collectible designer toys, the wooden Karimoku edition situates the Companion within the realm of collectible design and contemporary sculpture. The piece evokes the tradition of finely crafted wooden objects, where material quality and artisanal precision are as important as the form itself. In this context, the familiar character acquires a sense of permanence and craftsmanship that resonates with centuries of Japanese woodworking culture.
Karimoku’s involvement brings an additional layer of cultural resonance. Founded in Japan and long associated with meticulous woodworking techniques, the company has collaborated with KAWS on several wooden sculptures that emphasize material quality and artisanal production. The edition of 100 underscores the exclusivity of the work while positioning it within a category of highly sought-after objects among collectors of contemporary design and art multiples.
Karimoku’s collaboration with KAWS reflects a shared commitment to precision and design excellence. Founded in Japan and renowned for producing high-end furniture, the company applies advanced woodworking techniques and meticulous finishing processes to realize the artist’s forms with extraordinary clarity. The resulting sculpture occupies a unique position at the intersection of contemporary art, design, and craftsmanship, reinforcing KAWS’s ability to translate his pop-cultural visual language into objects that operate simultaneously as artworks and design icons.
Auction Results
Artcurial Paris: 17 April 2024
Estimated: EUR 20,000 – 30,000
EUR 23,239 / USD 24,735
KAWS
Companion / Karimoku version, 2011
Wood
Signed, dated and numbered “88/100” under feet
Edition Medicom Toy & Karimoku, Tokyo
LA Modern: 10 April 2024
Estimated: USD 20,000 – 40,000
USD 41,920
KAWS (b.1974)
Companion (Karimoku Version), 2011
Wood
Signed and dated to underside ‘KAWS..60/100’
Engraved manufacturer’s mark to underside ‘カリモク OriginalFake’
This work is number 60 from the edition of 100. Sold with original packaging
SBI Art Auction: 16 September 2023
Estimated: JPY 2,500,000 – 3,500,000
JPY 2,875,000 / USD 19,445
KAWS
KAWS COMPANION (karimoku version), 2011
Wood, multiple with original case
Signed and numbered on the bottom of left foot
From the edition of 100
SBI Art Auction: 15 July 2023
Estimated: JPY 2,500,000 – 3,500,000
JPY 2,990,000 / USD 21,545
KAWS
KAWS COMPANION (karimoku version), 2011
Wood, multiple with original case
Signed and numbered on the bottom of left foot
From the edition of 100
Ravenel Taipei: 4 December 2021
Estimated: TWD 900,000 – 1,400,000
TWD 960,000 / USD 34,630
KAWS (Brian Donnelly, USA, 1974)
Companion (Karimoku version), 2011
Wood
Edition 80/100
Signature bottom: KAWS: 80/100 Karimok OriginalFake
Security Laser Label
Artcurial Paris: 30 November 2021
Estimated: EUR 25,000 – 35,000
EUR 32,500 / USD 36,685
KAWS
Companion (Karimoku version), 2011
Wood
Signed and numbered “33/100” under feet
Edition Medicom Toy & Karimoku, Tokyo
Heritage Auctions: 9 November 2021
USD 43,750
KAWS (b. 1974)
Companion (Karimoku Version), 2011
Karimoku wood
Edition: 95/100
Signed and numbered in ink to underside of left foot
Incised to underside of right foot
Produced by Medicom Toy and OriginalFake, Tokyo
Christie’s online: 22 July 2021
Estimated: USD 30,000 – 50,000
USD 43,750
KAWS (B.1974)
COMPANION (KARIMOKU VERSION), 2011
Wood multiple, with the original packaging, box and hologram
Signed and numbered ‘KAWS..41/100’ and stamped ‘カリモク [KARIMOKU] OriginalFake’ (on the underside)
This work is number 41 from the edition of 100
Co-published by OriginalFake and Karimoku, Tokyo
Heritage Auctions: 6 January 2021
USD 125,000
KAWS (b. 1974)
Companion (Karimoku Version), 2011
Karimoku wood
Edition: 11/100
Signed and numbered in ink to underside of left foot; incised to underside of right foot
Produced by Medicom Toy and OriginalFake, Tokyo
SBI Art Auction: 31 October 2020
Estimated: JPY 3,000,000 – 5,000,000
JPY 4,370,000 / USD 41,755
KAWS
KAWS COMPANION (karimoku version), 2011
Wood, multiple with original case
Signed and numbered on the bottom of left foot
From the edition of 100
Christie’s online: 19 August 2020
Estimated: USD 30,000 – 50,000
USD 62,500
KAWS (B.1974)
COMPANION (KARIMOKU VERSION), 2011
Wood multiple, with the original packaging, box and hologram
Signed and numbered ‘KAWS..42/100’ and stamped ‘カリモク [KARIMOKU] OriginalFake’ (on the underside)
This work is number 42 from the edition of 100
Co-published by OriginalFake and Karimoku, Tokyo
Ravenel Taipei: 19 July 2020
Estimated: TWD 600,000 – 900,000
TWD 1,080,000 / USD 36,535
KAWS (Brian Donnelly, USA, 1974)
Companion (Karimoku version), 2011
Wood
Edition 80/100
Signature bottom: KAWS 80/100 OriginalFake
Comes with original carton packaging
Christie’s online: 20 April 2020
Estimated: USD 20,000 – 30,000
USD 68,750
KAWS (B. 1974)
Companion (Karimoku Version), 2011
Wooden sculpture
Edition: 87/100
Printed in Japanese, printed ‘OriginalFake’
Signed, and editioned ‘KAWS.. 87/100’ (on the underside)
Phillips Hong-Kong: 25 May 2019
Estimated: HKD 120,000 – 180,000
HKD 2,000,000 / USD 254,805
AUCTION RECORD FOR COMPANION (KARIMOKU)
KAWS
COMPANION (KARIMOKU), 2011
Wood
signed and numbered ‘KAWS..48/100’ on the underside
This work is number 48 from an edition of 100