The Japanese toy brand SO-TA (State of the Art), known for its wide range of products from novelty items and realistic creatures to collaborations with various sculptors, is partnering with Japanese sculptor Ayumi Muramatsu (@ayumi_M580) to release a new gashapon series, "Imaginary Creatures Encyclopedia," in February 2023: "Imaginary Creatures Encyclopedia III Romantic Phantom Bird -Set Color Edition-"!
The "Imaginary Creatures Encyclopedia" series released by SO-TA has previously featured "I Ancient Armored Fish," "II Divine Deer," and now the star of this release, "III Romantic Phantom Bird." Not only does this series allow collectors to acquire Ayumi Muramatsu's works at an accessible price, but the overall sculpting precision and sense of layering have also continuously improved.
The Romantic Phantom Bird, making its reappearance under the "Set Color Edition" name, offers four styles for collection. In addition to the previously released "Heat Haze Winged Bird," there are new color variations: "Drifting Wind Winged Bird," "Flame Charcoal Winged Bird," and "White Foil Winged Bird." Each figure boasts dimensions of 12 cm in length and 8 cm in height, making them quite substantial for gashapon toys. Of course, the most impressive aspect remains Ayumi Muramatsu's unique sculpting style and the intricate detailing throughout, coupled with her incorporation of Taisho Roman elements, which collectively exude an ethereal and profound beauty!
▼ Additionally, SO-TA is simultaneously releasing a blind box version, featuring four completely different color schemes from the gashapon version. These include the "Moonlight Winged Bird," which previously appeared in the Night Edition, along with new color variations: "Thunderbolt Winged Bird," "Wood Color Winged Bird," and "Black Foil Winged Bird."
Imaginary Creatures Encyclopedia III Romantic Phantom Bird -Set Color Edition-
Suggested Retail Price: Gashapon Version ¥500 / pull, Blind Box Version ¥660 / figure
Product Specifications: Approximately 12 cm long, 8.5 cm high, 4 types in total
Estimated Release Date: February 2023
Source: SO-TA Co., Ltd. (Official)