BE@RBRICK Series 17 Jellybean "ShangHai" (100%)

With Series 17, Medicom Toy released another round of its long-standing Bearbrick series in 2008, and one of the most popular themes is represented: Jellybean. This category does without printed motifs, patterns or licences. The focus is solely on the effect of colour and light in transparent plastic. The BE@RBRICK Series 17 Jellybean "ShangHai" (100%) shows particularly well how much expression lies in this reduction.

The figure glows in a rich, warm amber tone that shifts between honey yellow and deep orange depending on how the light falls. Because the plastic is transparent throughout, you can see the inner construction of the Bearbrick: the connecting joints at the head, arms and hips and the fine structures in the legs. It is precisely these glimpses inside that make up the appeal of the Jellybean look. In thicker areas such as the head and torso, the colour deepens, while on the ears and hands it appears light and almost glass-like. The glossy surface is reminiscent of fruit gum or amber and invites you to hold the figure up to the light. As usual, the head, arms and legs are movable, so you can adjust the pose to your liking.

In the classic 100% format, standing around 7 cm tall, the figure fits on any shelf, on your desk or in a display cabinet. As part of Series 17 from 2008, it is one of the older releases in the numbered series. For collectors who build their Bearbrick collection chronologically or by theme, it is an appealing building block. Jellybean models are regarded in the scene as timeless classics because, with their clear design language, they put the silhouette of the Bearbrick in the foreground.

Ideally, place the figure on a windowsill or near a light source. There, the amber tone unfolds its full glow and casts warm reflections of colour onto its surroundings. For lovers of minimalist design objects it is a stylish addition, and as a gift for collectors it is an idea with real radiance.