While major toy brands continue to innovate in the blind box scene, the last few years have seen many designer toy artists release their signature characters in the same format. When it comes to sheer detail and unique themes, Hong Kong-based designer toy brand "Zu and Pi" is definitely a name that stands out. For this week's unboxing, we're diving into Zu and Pi's latest collaboration with legendary Japanese manufacturer Kaiyodo: the "Sighing Star River Series Vol. 4 - Kafka's Moonlight Sonata"!
Designed by Steven Choi, the founder of Zu and Pi, the poetic "Sighing Star River Series" of blind box toys often includes delightful surprises beyond the figures themselves. We've previously seen jigsaw puzzles in the second series and intricate origami in the third. This fourth installment, however, feels like Steven has poured all his focus into the figures, centering on the theme of "life" and achieving a level of detail that surpasses all previous works. Plus, there's a secret chase figure that is practically a miniature art piece! We're taking a look at the standard "Kafka's Moonlight Sonata" set, which contains a full case of 8 standard figures plus one secret figure, for a total of 9 designs. Let's get to unboxing.
▼ The exquisite packaging is loaded with clever design touches.
▼ The top and sides feature illustrations of all the figures in the set.
▼ In addition to the high-quality spot UV coating seen in previous releases, the blue text is mixed with sparkling glitter.
▼ Opening the case reveals a gorgeous illustration, as is tradition.
▼ A look at each individual blind box.
▼ The stunning artwork matches the style of the outer case.
▼ Inside each box, you'll find the figure securely packaged in a blister tray, a counterweight coin, and a numbered record.
▼ This series includes three different counterweight pins:
Typewriter - Life is like a typewriter; you never know what typo you'll make.
Time Satchel - Behind memory is a satchel, filled with the gift of forgetting.
Labyrinth Hat - Life is a labyrinth; every decision can be your exit.
▼ The back of the record packaging features a classic quote from the renowned author Franz Kafka.
1. Elephant's tears
First up is Pi leaning closely against an elephant. While Pi serenely plays music, a single tear falls from the elephant's eye. Perhaps it knows this moment won't last forever, as Pi is destined to leave as a wanderer.
▼ The way its ear folds from lying on the ground is incredibly cute!
2. Fix me
In the pursuit of our own uniqueness, we often find that everyone is much the same—filled with doubts and facing hardships. But no matter how time passes, some beautiful things are worth preserving. In this piece, the transparent cloth covered in numbers seems to represent the countless moments of our lives, which we occasionally take out to reminisce. Lost in thought, a smile appears, and when we're done, we gently fold it away for safekeeping.
▼ The transparent parts are absolutely beautiful.
3. Now is good
"Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction." This quote comes from "Wind, Sand and Stars" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of "The Little Prince." For me, this is the cutest figure in the "Kafka's Moonlight Sonata" collection. Two little white figures huddle together under a pink umbrella dotted with flower petals, looking as if they've been sitting there for a long time, unwilling to get up and leave this perfect moment.
4. Loneliness
For artist Steven Choi, the resurfacing of sad memories can feel like falling into a dark, gloomy space. Yet, in this piece, I see a warmth—a desire to protect others despite being afraid of the dark.
▼ A small boat is hidden inside the black figure.
5. Every cloud has a silver lining
We've all faced dark times and painful setbacks, but with enough courage, we can always find our way back to our original path. The design of this white figure is reminiscent of the Little Prince, perhaps because of the pink scarf. The overall shape resembles a shattered lightbulb, but from different angles, it also looks like a shooting star streaking across a crystal-clear night sky. The more you look, the more poetic and brilliant this piece becomes, with the little figure searching for new possibilities within the broken bulb.
▼ There is another version of this figure that includes a compass, but the one I have does not.
6. The garden of sorrows
Steven Choi previously created a large-scale sculpture titled "When the Wind Rises," and "The garden of sorrows" can be seen as a miniature return of that piece. The name seems to echo the poem released with the original sculpture: "When the wind rises... there are always some setbacks, or vast changes, that bring one's spirits down." The vibrant and unique colors of this work are endlessly captivating.
7. The end of all our exploring
The ever-dashing Cat Earl makes a stylish entrance, riding on the back of a mythical beast with a fresh flower in his mouth. The clock motif on his coat and the planet on the base create a dreamlike atmosphere of time travel.
▼ The hind legs also feature an outstanding gradient paint application.
8. Nesnesitelná lehkost bytí (The Unbearable Lightness of Being)
This "Sighing Star River Deity" first appeared as a painting at the Taipei gallery "Wrong Gallery Taipei" in late 2021. Seeing it brought to life in three dimensions with such intricate sculpting and a complex manufacturing process is not just stunning to me; even Steven Choi himself once thought it might be impossible to achieve. Its elegant posture, the natural flow of its garments, and the crashing waves at its feet are simply breathtaking.
"Nesnesitelná lehkost bytí" is Czech for "The Unbearable Lightness of Being," the title of the famous 1984 novel by Czech-French author Milan Kundera.
9. secret (Chase Figure, Star's Wandering Song)
To drift is the heart's direction; to wander is to seek one's own star. "Friendship" is the greatest force in the universe! Steven Choi had previously created a painting of "Pi and Friends Setting Sail," which was later exhibited in Taipei. For this deeply meaningful piece to be chosen as the secret figure for "Kafka's Moonlight Sonata" gives it an extraordinary charm for collectors. With its richly layered paintwork, incredible density of detail, and satisfying weight, I'd say this is the best chase figure in the "Sighing Star River" series yet.
▼ The base rotates—it's a music box! The song is the ending theme from "Spirited Away."
▼ It's captivating enough just on display.
▼ Adding a simple backdrop enhances the dreamlike atmosphere.
Sighing Star River Series Vol. 4 - Kafka's Moonlight Sonata
Available at retailers like Wrong Gallery Taipei, priced at NT$3,400 per case.
The set includes 8 standard designs, with the secret chase figure inserted randomly, for a total of 9 figures.