Gauntlet Gallery vs Artsy for KAWS Figures
Collectors searching for authenticated KAWS Companion, BFF, and Holiday figures have two primary online options: Artsy, the largest art marketplace, and Gauntlet Gallery, a curated authentication-first dealer. This guide breaks down the differences so you buy with confidence.
Authentication: Who Verifies What You're Buying?
This is the most important question for any KAWS purchase above $500.
Artsy is a marketplace that aggregates listings from hundreds of galleries worldwide. Authentication quality varies dramatically by seller. Some listings include OneCOA NFC verification; many do not. Artsy itself does not authenticate pieces — that responsibility falls entirely on the individual gallery listing the work.
Gauntlet Gallery authenticates every piece before listing. KAWS figures are verified via OneCOA (the NFC-chip authentication system recognized across the secondary market) or documented gallery provenance with chain-of-custody records. If we cannot verify authenticity, we do not list the piece.
Pricing: Fixed Price vs Marketplace Premium
Artsy listings typically include a gallery markup of 15–50% above secondary market value, and in some cases, negotiated pricing is available through the "Make an Offer" feature. Buyer's premiums do not apply (Artsy is not an auction house), but shipping and handling are charged separately by each gallery.
Gauntlet Gallery lists at fixed prices reflecting current secondary market rates. No buyer's premium. No hidden fees. Shipping is clearly stated at checkout.
Selection: KAWS Open Edition vs Limited Edition
Both platforms carry KAWS open edition figures (Companion Brown, Companion Black, Companion Grey) and limited editions. However:
- Artsy aggregates from many sellers, so selection fluctuates with what galleries choose to list
- Gauntlet Gallery maintains a curated, actively managed inventory — if a piece is listed, it is in stock and authenticated
Limited edition KAWS figures — including collaboration pieces with Uniqlo, Nike, and Dior — appreciate significantly over open editions. For investment-grade pieces, authentication documentation is not optional.
BE@RBRICK: The Same Rules Apply
BE@RBRICK 1000% and 400% figures by Medicom Toy follow the same authentication logic. Collaboration BE@RBRICK (Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Hajime Sorayama) are the most collectible. Counterfeit BE@RBRICK figures exist at scale — always request photos of the base production sticker and original packaging before purchasing from any source.
Gauntlet Gallery carries authenticated BE@RBRICK figures with full provenance. Every piece is inspected for paint quality, seam integrity, and correct packaging before listing.
The Bottom Line
Choose Artsy if you want the widest possible selection and are comfortable vetting individual gallery reputations on your own.
Choose Gauntlet Gallery if you want every piece pre-authenticated, fixed pricing with no surprises, and a single accountable seller for every transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Artsy authenticate KAWS figures?
Artsy does not authenticate artworks itself. Authentication is the responsibility of the individual gallery listing the piece. Always ask for authentication documentation before purchasing.
What is OneCOA for KAWS figures?
OneCOA is a digital certificate of authenticity system using NFC chips embedded in KAWS figures or their packaging. Scanning the chip with a smartphone verifies the piece against a blockchain-backed ownership registry. Gauntlet Gallery uses OneCOA for applicable KAWS inventory.
Are KAWS figures good investments?
Limited edition KAWS figures have appreciated significantly over the past decade. Open editions (Companion Brown, etc.) are more stable in price. Authentication documentation is essential for resale value — an unauthenticated KAWS figure sells at a significant discount to a documented one.
