Qee Bear
Overview
Qee Bear (often stylized as Bear Qee or BearBearQ) is one of the most iconic and versatile characters in the Qee family of designer toys, produced by Hong Kong-based Toy2R. Pronounced "key," Qee was launched in 2001 as a groundbreaking line of customizable vinyl figures that bridged toys, art, and street culture. The Bear Qee features a distinctive asymmetrical ear design on a bear head, paired with a simple, squat, rounded humanoid body—evoking a minimalist, playful yet edgy aesthetic perfect for artist customizations. Debuting as part of the original Qee Key Chain Collection (originally intended as keychains), Bear Qee quickly became a staple platform for blind box series, artist editions, DIY blanks, and large-scale sculptures.
Creator & Brand
Creator: Raymond Choy
Raymond Choy, founder of Toy2R, designed the original Qee figures in 2001. His vision blended Hong Kong street culture, art, and accessible collectibles, revolutionizing the industry by making artist-driven toys affordable and customizable.
- •Hong Kong designer & entrepreneur roots
- •Inventor of Qee's patented asymmetrical designs
- •Focused on bridging toys, art, and everyday accessories
Brand: Toy2R
Founded in 1995 by Raymond Choy in Hong Kong, Toy2R emerged as a leader in the Asian designer toy movement. Launching Qee in 2001, the brand popularized blind box formats and DIY platforms in the region.
- •Early Asian pioneer in urban vinyl & blind boxes
- •Extensive artist & brand collaborations
- •Official site (toy2r.com) for drops & DIY kits
Series & Editions
Blind Box Series
Format
- 2.5" Vinyl Figures
- Keychain Detachable
- Blind-packed Boxes
Themes
Large Scale & Art
Upscaled figures for display and gallery exclusives.
Market Impact
Qee Bear pioneered the customizable keychain-to-art toy format in Asia, influencing global urban vinyl trends. Its affordable entry point and versatile shape made it a favorite among artists and collectors.
Global Reach
Why It's Successful
- ✓Affordable entry to artist customization
- ✓Versatile BearBearQ shape inspires creativity
- ✓Early adoption of DIY blanks & keychain format
- ✓Nostalgia for 2000s Asian toy boom
- ✓Limited artist drops & collabs create scarcity
Collecting Guide
Retail Pricing
Single Blind Box
Singles: $10–$30; Full Sets: $100–$400+
Full Set (12)
Larger Editions: $50–$500+; Sculptures: $1,000+
Secondary Market
Early 2001–2010 pieces and rare artist collaborations resell for 3–20x original prices. Recent DIY or limited collabs hold steady value.
Collecting Strategy
Where to Buy
Official Channels
- Toy2R official website (toy2r.com)
- Pop-ups & Conventions
Secondary Platforms
- eBay
- Etsy
- Trampt
- hobbyDB
- Mercari
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