Interest
Solid Gold, Silver Gundams on Display at Gundam Art Exhibit
posted on by Eric Stimson
If the standard color palette of the iconic Mobile Suit Gundam is beginning to bore you, a visit to a new exhibit in Tokyo, Mobile Suit Gundam Exhibit: The Art of Gundam, should reinvigorate your interest. Ginza Tanaka, a jeweler that's been crafting shiny things since 1892, will display a solid gold (24-karat) Gundam. The RX-78-2 Gundam featuring Robot Soul stands 125 millimeters high (about 5 inches), weighs 1 kilogram (or 2.2 pounds), and costs a staggering 20 million yen (or $161,340).
Only slightly less impressive is Ginza Tanaka's silver Gundam, the Silver950 RX-78-2 Gundam featuring Robot Soul. (Silver 950 contains about 95% silver.) It is also 125 millimeters high but weighs half as much as the golden Gundam. Its price, on the other hand, is far more affordable — 648,000 yen ($5,227).
Ginza Tanaka is also displaying gold and silver versions of Gundam Converge, a chibi line of Gundam models. These are only 55 millimeters high (or 2.2 inches) and weigh 220 grams (7.8 ounces) and 120 grams (4.2 ounces), respectively. The golden Gundam Converge costs 3.78 million yen ($30,493) while the silver Gundam Converge is 270,000 yen ($2,178).
Ginza Tanaka's platinum Gundam, Gundam Fix Platinum, which was first sculpted in 2007, is also on display. It is crafted from 89 pieces of pure platinum and has diamond "eyes." This model is 125 millimeters high and weighs 1.4 kilograms (3.1 pounds); it is not for sale.
Finally, the exhibit will also showcase platinum cards, a lighter and more affordable (15,000 yen/$121) alternative for the Gundam enthusiast interested in some bling. They feature the RX-78-2 Gundam, Char Aznable, and Char's Zaku.
The Art of Gundam exhibit will be held from July 18 to September 27 at the Mori Arts Center in Roppongi, Tokyo. Entry is 2,000 yen ($16) for adults and 1,500 yen ($12) for middle and high school students.
[Via GUNDAM.INFO]
