Æ2381 - "Machine Man & Target Robot" Æ’s Japanese Tin Robots — Limited Edition 2025 - Wind-up tin toy - 2000-present
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Description from the seller
Æ (XX-XXI)
Machine Man · Target Robot
(Set of 2, 2025)
Limited Edition – Mixed Media – Hand-signed & Numbered – With Certificate of Authenticity
You are bidding on a striking two-panel mixed-media artwork by Æ (aka Æ2381), inspired by the golden era of mid-century Japanese tin robots. Created on Speckle-Tone archival-grade paper, each work belongs to a strictly limited edition of only 10, individually hand-signed and numbered by the artist.
This diptych reimagines Machine Man and Target Robot, two archetypal figures from post-war Japanese toy culture. Rendered in a stark black-and-white palette with engraved textures, mechanical detailing, and bold chiaroscuro, the robots appear as monumental icons set against evocative landscapes reminiscent of vintage toy packaging and early science-fiction illustration.
Blending retro-futurism, craftsmanship, and collectible culture, Æ transforms nostalgic tin toys into contemporary mixed-media artifacts. The works celebrate the optimism and design ingenuity of Japan’s toy-making heritage while presenting a cohesive and highly collectible modern composition.
An excellent acquisition for collectors of Japanese tin robots, retro sci-fi design, and contemporary pop-influenced art.
• Original Art: Unique ink-style piece by Æ, highly collectible with only 10 variations
• Medium: Hand-painted using spray paint and pastel crayons, signed and numbered
• Certification: Includes a holographic seal of authenticity on the certificate card
• Materials: Crafted on acid-free Hahnemühle rice paper for Sumi-e (Japanese for “black ink”) to ensure archival quality
• Digital Record: Registered on the blockchain as an NFT, providing a verifiable and permanent proof of authenticity
• Direct Sale: Sold and shipped directly from the artist’s studio—a great investment!
• Edition: Limited and authorized, with a registration ID in the artist’s official catalog
About the Artist:
Æ is an accomplished artist and designer with a Bachelor’s degree in Digital Design and Multimedia Technologies from Barcelona (2004) and a degree in East Asian Studies. His passion for digital mediums began in his early years, experimenting with 1980s computer graphics to create a distinctive aesthetic influenced by minimalism, conceptual art, and skateboard graphics. Æ’s artworks are included in private collections across over 30 countries, from the Netherlands and Belgium to Italy, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. His work is also featured in public institutions like the Oriental Art Collection at the Zaragoza Museum (2024), which boasts Spain’s most significant collection of Eastern art.
Artistic Style:
Æ’s artwork is characterized by a minimalist approach, utilizing a restrained color palette and simple shapes to convey complex emotions and ideas. He frequently employs stark, high-contrast imagery to explore the contrasts between light and darkness, hope and despair. This minimalist style fosters an eerie and unsettling atmosphere that highlights themes of isolation, compelling viewers to confront the stark realities of a new world rich with symbols, Eastern Asian characters, and iconic imagery.
Critical Acclaim:
Æ’s work has received praise from esteemed art critic Thierry Fournier (Artnoises):
“Æ’s art transcends boundaries, merging the civilizational DNA of the past and future. His pieces serve as emotional portals, inviting viewers to leap into a void filled with imagery and symbols, propelling us toward a timeless experience.”
– Thierry Fournier (Artnoises) ★★★★★
Additional Information:
• All images are taken from the first edition and are as accurate as possible; slight color variations may occur due to differences in lighting and monitor settings. The available number may vary from 1 to 10.
• Immediate shipping upon payment, with appropriate insurance provided. Please feel free to reach out for any follow-up inquiries.
• The frame shown in the second photo is for presentation purposes only. Combined shipping is available for multiple purchases to minimize shipping costs.
Bid with confidence from a PRO and TOP seller with 100% positive feedback. We take great care in packaging and include special extras with each lot.
#JapaneseTinRobots #TinToyArt #RetroRobotArt #MidCenturyJapan #VintageToyArt #MechaInspired #CollectibleArt #Æ2381 #AEart #LimitedEditionArt #RetroFuturism #ArtCollector #DesignHeritage #CatawikiArt
Seller's Story
Æ (ae2381) is a contemporary multimedia artist with formal training in Multimedia Engineering and East Asian Studies (Barcelona, 2004–2008). His practice merges modern visual language with Japanese pop culture and traditional aesthetics, creating bold, narrative-driven compositions that bridge East and West.
Extensive travels through Japan and Indonesia have deeply shaped his vision, infusing his work with a sensitivity to everyday beauty, ritual, and regional craft traditions that continue to guide his creative direction.
An original work by Æ is held in the Oriental Art Collection of the Zaragoza Museum, forming part of the institution’s permanent holdings.
All official listings are available exclusively on Catawiki — bid with confidence.
Æ (XX-XXI)
Machine Man · Target Robot
(Set of 2, 2025)
Limited Edition – Mixed Media – Hand-signed & Numbered – With Certificate of Authenticity
You are bidding on a striking two-panel mixed-media artwork by Æ (aka Æ2381), inspired by the golden era of mid-century Japanese tin robots. Created on Speckle-Tone archival-grade paper, each work belongs to a strictly limited edition of only 10, individually hand-signed and numbered by the artist.
This diptych reimagines Machine Man and Target Robot, two archetypal figures from post-war Japanese toy culture. Rendered in a stark black-and-white palette with engraved textures, mechanical detailing, and bold chiaroscuro, the robots appear as monumental icons set against evocative landscapes reminiscent of vintage toy packaging and early science-fiction illustration.
Blending retro-futurism, craftsmanship, and collectible culture, Æ transforms nostalgic tin toys into contemporary mixed-media artifacts. The works celebrate the optimism and design ingenuity of Japan’s toy-making heritage while presenting a cohesive and highly collectible modern composition.
An excellent acquisition for collectors of Japanese tin robots, retro sci-fi design, and contemporary pop-influenced art.
• Original Art: Unique ink-style piece by Æ, highly collectible with only 10 variations
• Medium: Hand-painted using spray paint and pastel crayons, signed and numbered
• Certification: Includes a holographic seal of authenticity on the certificate card
• Materials: Crafted on acid-free Hahnemühle rice paper for Sumi-e (Japanese for “black ink”) to ensure archival quality
• Digital Record: Registered on the blockchain as an NFT, providing a verifiable and permanent proof of authenticity
• Direct Sale: Sold and shipped directly from the artist’s studio—a great investment!
• Edition: Limited and authorized, with a registration ID in the artist’s official catalog
About the Artist:
Æ is an accomplished artist and designer with a Bachelor’s degree in Digital Design and Multimedia Technologies from Barcelona (2004) and a degree in East Asian Studies. His passion for digital mediums began in his early years, experimenting with 1980s computer graphics to create a distinctive aesthetic influenced by minimalism, conceptual art, and skateboard graphics. Æ’s artworks are included in private collections across over 30 countries, from the Netherlands and Belgium to Italy, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. His work is also featured in public institutions like the Oriental Art Collection at the Zaragoza Museum (2024), which boasts Spain’s most significant collection of Eastern art.
Artistic Style:
Æ’s artwork is characterized by a minimalist approach, utilizing a restrained color palette and simple shapes to convey complex emotions and ideas. He frequently employs stark, high-contrast imagery to explore the contrasts between light and darkness, hope and despair. This minimalist style fosters an eerie and unsettling atmosphere that highlights themes of isolation, compelling viewers to confront the stark realities of a new world rich with symbols, Eastern Asian characters, and iconic imagery.
Critical Acclaim:
Æ’s work has received praise from esteemed art critic Thierry Fournier (Artnoises):
“Æ’s art transcends boundaries, merging the civilizational DNA of the past and future. His pieces serve as emotional portals, inviting viewers to leap into a void filled with imagery and symbols, propelling us toward a timeless experience.”
– Thierry Fournier (Artnoises) ★★★★★
Additional Information:
• All images are taken from the first edition and are as accurate as possible; slight color variations may occur due to differences in lighting and monitor settings. The available number may vary from 1 to 10.
• Immediate shipping upon payment, with appropriate insurance provided. Please feel free to reach out for any follow-up inquiries.
• The frame shown in the second photo is for presentation purposes only. Combined shipping is available for multiple purchases to minimize shipping costs.
Bid with confidence from a PRO and TOP seller with 100% positive feedback. We take great care in packaging and include special extras with each lot.
#JapaneseTinRobots #TinToyArt #RetroRobotArt #MidCenturyJapan #VintageToyArt #MechaInspired #CollectibleArt #Æ2381 #AEart #LimitedEditionArt #RetroFuturism #ArtCollector #DesignHeritage #CatawikiArt
Seller's Story
Æ (ae2381) is a contemporary multimedia artist with formal training in Multimedia Engineering and East Asian Studies (Barcelona, 2004–2008). His practice merges modern visual language with Japanese pop culture and traditional aesthetics, creating bold, narrative-driven compositions that bridge East and West.
Extensive travels through Japan and Indonesia have deeply shaped his vision, infusing his work with a sensitivity to everyday beauty, ritual, and regional craft traditions that continue to guide his creative direction.
An original work by Æ is held in the Oriental Art Collection of the Zaragoza Museum, forming part of the institution’s permanent holdings.
All official listings are available exclusively on Catawiki — bid with confidence.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Nr of items
1
Brand
Æ2381
Model/ Name
"Machine Man & Target Robot" Æ’s Japanese Tin Robots — Limited Edition 2025
Period
2000-present
Condition
Mint
Packaging
unboxed
Material
Mixed media on Japanese paper
