ToyCyte: Toy Culture Collected

Once in a while an art toy comes along that is truly different from everything else out there. Mi2 Studios‘ Buddha’s Delight is a remarkable piece in that it transcends just being a toy to provoke thought. It combines spirituality, technology and social commentary into a unique and beautiful figure. Between the afro, swastika and stylized amplifier, there’s a lot to take in and talk about. Thanks to Jones and Jacky at Paradise Toy Land, I’ve got exclusive info and photos of the Buddha’s Delight and Buddha’s Pet figures from Mi2 Studios.

I first saw Buddha’s Delight at Paradise Toy Land, and I had a lot of questions. Jones from PDT was kind enough to hook me up with lots of photos of the figures. As I poured over them, it became clear that a 2D image wasn’t enough and I needed to get one of the figures. Ordering from PDT (based in Taiwan) was as easy as emailing for a price, getting an invoice and paying by PayPal. I received Buddha’s Delight Gold Lounge and Buddha’s Pet Black Gold a week later.

It’s worth stating the first feature I noticed on this figure was the swastika–a loaded icon indeed. While the swastika was once an ancient symbol used freely without stigma, its role in Nazi Germany permanently altered its meaning. Since then, the swastika became the go-to logo for punk rock provocation and shock-goth antics, as well as a symbol for hate groups worldwide. In America, among my generation, few people are aware of the less controversial uses of the swastika around the world, including its role in Buddhist cultures. From Wikipedia:

The symbol as it is used in Buddhist art and scripture is known in Japanese as a manji (literally, “the character for eternality”), and represents Dharma, universal harmony, and the balance of opposites. When facing left, it represents love and mercy. Facing right, it represents strength and intelligence….Because of the association of the right-facing swastika with Nazism, Buddhist manji (outside India only) after the mid-20th century are almost universally left-facing. This form of the manji is often found on Chinese food packaging to signify that the product is vegetarian and can be consumed by strict Buddhists. It is often sewn into the collars of Chinese children’s clothing to protect them from evil spirits.

Buddha’s Delight Gold Lounge

So moving past that matter…

The figures arrived in attractive 3-pane window boxes with stickers. Buddha’s Delight from the bottom of her base to the top of her afro measures about 7 inches tall. Buddha’s Pet from feet to horns is about 5.5 inches. Buddha’s Delight is molded from soft vinyl into a seated position that rests atop a very cool hybrid half-airplane/half amplifier speaker system. She has articulation at the neck and is outfitted in a scooped v-neck blazer with flared sleeves, flared pants and pointy shoes. This 70s styling is like no other figure in my collection, and I appreciate that fact. Buddha’s pet with his egg-like shape and simple expression fits more with my other figures. In fact, he’s starting a septum ring club with my Tokidoki Moofia Leche figure… I bet someone with more of a spiritual lifestyle could give a more nuanced description and create a really nice setup with these. Maybe some peace flags or something like an alter. For me though, they’ll remain on my desk as a reminder of beauty and tranquility among the clutter…

Buddha’s Pet Black Gold

Here are a few facts followed by an interview with the figures’ creator, Youuu.Fun of Mi2 Studios.

Buddha’s Delight

There are three colorways in the Buddha’s Delight series: Gold Lounge, Pop House and Wonderful World (plus a Mi2 Special white DIY version). The text on the packaging reads:

For saving more lives, Buddha integrates with the gigantic machine. Consequently, luxurious and unreal images

appear on TV. The sound of electronic music comes from the amplifier repeatedly. No one can tell the reality and illusions. BUDDHA’S DELIGHT makes people fall. The falling of people makes the world even more backsliding.

Buddha’s Pet

There are two colorways in the Buddha’s Pet series: The Black Gold and The Amorous Ox. The Black Gold makes a nice companion for Buddha’s Delight Gold Lounge, but they are sold separately.

The role in Buddha’s Pet series was originally God’s pet. However, it is quite boring to stay in the Divine World. It comes to the world of human beings on the sly. Due to its being too simple, it is used by human beings and brings various kinds of good luck to good guys and bad guys.

The Amorous Oxwill bring you beautiful love. Love is like roses, candyfloss and even poison. We all need love. We all need The Amorous Ox.

The Black Gold brings its master good luck in money. That may be the reward you deserve. That also may be easy-money. Maybe it is just like that. You win the lottery and become a millionaire. We all need The Black Gold.

The figures are available from Paradise Toy Land. There may be slightly different pricing per colorway, but the basic SRP of Buddha’s Delight is NT888 (about US$29.6) and the basic SRP of Buddha’s Pet is NT499 (about US$16.6).

You can also download Buddha’s Delight wallpapers for free here. Scroll down to meet the maker!

Thanks to Jacky’s help translating, the following is a conversation with Youuu.Fun, Creative Director of Mi2 Studios.

Buddha’s Delight Pop House

How did you get into character design?

As a child, I didn’t have the money to buy toys. I painted pictures; therefore my paintings were toys. White paper was a luxury. My mother gave me one piece of newsprint each day, which was my happiest moment. I would fold the newsprint, draw two big robots, fold it again, draw four strange worlds and then continue drawing and folding the picture into an inexhaustible dream. I went on to study computer information, almost forgetting my love of painting. When I met my girlfriend in junior college, I joined design school for her (to do army service later) and began following my dream once more. I should thank her.

Describe your style.

I like satire and humor. There is no pure black and white in the world; that’s why it is interesting. I like exploring the fuzzy region of everything, seeking light in darkness and darkness in light. I began exploring this theme in my university Flash work, where I made a game, “I Dreamt,” based on a poem. The poem was happy, but I made the mood darker. Through making this game, I found my style and direction.

What is the mission of Mi2 Studios?

Mi2 is a brand-new creativity unit established in 2007. At present, the members include Youuu.Fun and Steve. Steve is the person in charge, and I am the creative director. Mi2 is currently establishing our brand image and creating commercial art work. Our future plan is to collaborate with different parties, break boundaries and create brand value. Our work will include 2D design, product development, animation, games, exhibitions and so on…We all have lots of interests. Creativity through action is how Mi2 getting stronger.

Who are a few of your favorite artists?

Brothersfree, Tim Burton, Buff Monster, Gary Baseman, D Face…

What does “Mi2″ mean?

Mi2 mixed different DNA. M means Motivation, i means Ideal and 2 represents Steve and me. We hope those friends who have our products can say to us: “I’ m so happy.” We will respond you loudly: “Me too…”

I’m so happy!

Buddha’s Delight Wonderful World

Buddha’s Pet Amorous Ox

Little Shanti, another figure by Mi2 Studios

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