'Fuwa Fuwa Shacho' by Takashi Murakami, 2006
Plush hand-puppet set from Kaikai Kiki.
7.5 and 4.5 Inches tall each.
19 and 11.4 Centimeters tall each.
White body poly plush figures with colorful stitched eyes/accents + blue bow tie.
Open Edition (Sold Out).
New with their original tags in shipping bags.
ABOUT THE ART
'Fuwa Fuwa Shacho' embodies Takashi Murakami’s ongoing exploration of “Superflat” aesthetics, where fine art, commercial design, and character culture collapse into a single visual language. Unlike Murakami’s more overtly confrontational figures, 'Shacho' appears deliberately gentle—rounded, soft, and emotionally ambiguous. The plush hand puppet format emphasizes tactility and interaction, inviting viewers to engage with the work physically rather than purely visually.
The use of plush and puppetry is central to Murakami’s strategy of disarming the viewer. Beneath 'Shacho’s' cute exterior lies a recurring tension in Murakami’s practice: innocence paired with unease. The character’s subtly asymmetrical expression, oversized eyes, and restrained mouth create an emotional ambiguity that oscillates between childlike comfort and quiet strangeness. This duality reflects Murakami’s broader commentary on postwar Japanese consumer culture, where sweetness often masks deeper psychological and cultural complexities.
By presenting 'Fuwa Fuwa Shacho' as both a collectible object and a functional puppet, Murakami further dissolves the boundary between art and merchandise. These works are not merely souvenirs of the artist’s universe; they are extensions of it—playful, performative sculptures that exist comfortably in galleries, collections, and everyday spaces. Within a curated context, the puppets stand as emblematic examples of Takashi Murakami’s ability to transform character design into legitimate contemporary art without sacrificing accessibility or joy.