Æ (XX-XXI) - BUNDLE!! Machines of Tomorrow: Metropolis · Tetsujin · Robby – Set of 3 (2026) – Hand-Finished,
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A hand-signed, limited-edition set of three mixed-media artworks by Æ depicts Maria from Metropolis, Tetsujin 28-go and Robby the Robot, and measures 37 × 66 cm overall.
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Description from the seller
BUNDLE!! You are bidding on a set of 3 original mixed-media artworks from Æ2381’s Machines of Tomorrow series, inspired by the extraordinary visual world of Japanese tin robots, vintage mechanical toys and classic robot science fiction.
The triptych brings together three legendary machines: Maria from Fritz Lang’s Metropolis, Tetsujin 28-go and Robby the Robot—three characters whose designs became closely associated with the retro-futurist imagination that also inspired generations of Japanese robot toys.
◉ Total size: 37 × 66 cm. Three artworks, each measuring 37 × 22 cm.
◉ Original mixed-media artworks by artist Æ2381. Edition of only 4 unique variations.
◉ Individually hand-finished using spray paint and mixed inks. Hand-signed and numbered.
◉ Includes a Certificate of Authenticity with holographic security seal.
◉ Created on acid-free Hahnemühle Sumi-e rice paper.
◉ Individually registered with an identification number corresponding to the artist’s official catalogue.
Machines of Tomorrow — Japanese Robot Dreams
From the 1950s onward, Japan produced an extraordinary universe of tin robots, mechanical astronauts, battery-operated space toys and imaginary machines. Their box illustrations and advertisements transformed robots into symbols of a technological future that seemed just around the corner.
This triptych pays tribute to that visual culture through three icons: Maria, the pioneering Maschinenmensch of Metropolis; Tetsujin 28-go, one of Japan’s foundational giant robots; and Robby the Robot, an unmistakable symbol of 1950s space-age science fiction.
Æ2381 reimagines them through the aesthetics surrounding Japanese tin-toy packaging, vintage robot advertisements, manga magazines and illustrated science publications. Dense Japanese typography, halftones, cross-hatching, distressed printing and mechanical imagery give the artworks the appearance of pages recovered from a forgotten robot-toy catalogue or imaginary technological magazine.
Together, the three works celebrate the period when robots existed somewhere between toy, comic-book hero, cinematic machine and dream of the future.
About the artist
Artist and designer Æ2381 (Spain, b. 1977) holds degrees in Digital Design and Multimedia Technologies (Barcelona, 2004) and East Asian Studies. His work combines Japanese visual culture, vintage print media, retro-futurism and experimental graphic design.
Æ2381’s artworks can be found in private collections in more than 30 countries worldwide, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
All photographs represent the artworks as accurately as possible. Slight variations may occur due to lighting and monitor settings.
Immediate shipping after payment, with appropriate insurance and tracking. Frames shown in presentation photographs are for display purposes only and are not included. Combined shipping is available.
We are a PRO and TOP seller with 100% positive feedback. Every artwork is carefully packed, and special extras are included with this lot.
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.
BUNDLE!! You are bidding on a set of 3 original mixed-media artworks from Æ2381’s Machines of Tomorrow series, inspired by the extraordinary visual world of Japanese tin robots, vintage mechanical toys and classic robot science fiction.
The triptych brings together three legendary machines: Maria from Fritz Lang’s Metropolis, Tetsujin 28-go and Robby the Robot—three characters whose designs became closely associated with the retro-futurist imagination that also inspired generations of Japanese robot toys.
◉ Total size: 37 × 66 cm. Three artworks, each measuring 37 × 22 cm.
◉ Original mixed-media artworks by artist Æ2381. Edition of only 4 unique variations.
◉ Individually hand-finished using spray paint and mixed inks. Hand-signed and numbered.
◉ Includes a Certificate of Authenticity with holographic security seal.
◉ Created on acid-free Hahnemühle Sumi-e rice paper.
◉ Individually registered with an identification number corresponding to the artist’s official catalogue.
Machines of Tomorrow — Japanese Robot Dreams
From the 1950s onward, Japan produced an extraordinary universe of tin robots, mechanical astronauts, battery-operated space toys and imaginary machines. Their box illustrations and advertisements transformed robots into symbols of a technological future that seemed just around the corner.
This triptych pays tribute to that visual culture through three icons: Maria, the pioneering Maschinenmensch of Metropolis; Tetsujin 28-go, one of Japan’s foundational giant robots; and Robby the Robot, an unmistakable symbol of 1950s space-age science fiction.
Æ2381 reimagines them through the aesthetics surrounding Japanese tin-toy packaging, vintage robot advertisements, manga magazines and illustrated science publications. Dense Japanese typography, halftones, cross-hatching, distressed printing and mechanical imagery give the artworks the appearance of pages recovered from a forgotten robot-toy catalogue or imaginary technological magazine.
Together, the three works celebrate the period when robots existed somewhere between toy, comic-book hero, cinematic machine and dream of the future.
About the artist
Artist and designer Æ2381 (Spain, b. 1977) holds degrees in Digital Design and Multimedia Technologies (Barcelona, 2004) and East Asian Studies. His work combines Japanese visual culture, vintage print media, retro-futurism and experimental graphic design.
Æ2381’s artworks can be found in private collections in more than 30 countries worldwide, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
All photographs represent the artworks as accurately as possible. Slight variations may occur due to lighting and monitor settings.
Immediate shipping after payment, with appropriate insurance and tracking. Frames shown in presentation photographs are for display purposes only and are not included. Combined shipping is available.
We are a PRO and TOP seller with 100% positive feedback. Every artwork is carefully packed, and special extras are included with this lot.
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
Sold with frame
No
Sold by
Direct from the artist
Edition
Limited edition
Artist
Æ (XX-XXI)
Title of artwork
BUNDLE!! Machines of Tomorrow: Metropolis · Tetsujin · Robby – Set of 3 (2026) – Hand-Finished,
Technique
Mixed media, Pastel, Spray paint
Signature
Hand signed
Country of origin
Spain
Year
2026
Colour
Beige, Black
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
37 cm
Width
66 cm
Depiction/theme
Pop Culture
Style
Conceptual art
Period
2020+
