Art Toys Appraisal

Keith Haring 'Stapelspel' Wooden Balancing Blocks by Vilac

This item is a set of wooden balancing blocks featuring the iconic artwork of Keith Haring, produced by the French toy manufacturer Vilac. The set, titled 'Stapelspel' (translated as 'Stacking Game'), consists of approximately 18 thick, wooden pieces, each cut into the silhouette of a classic Haring figure or motif. The figures include the 'Barking Dog,' 'Radiant Baby,' 'Angel,' and various interlocking human figures. The blocks are brightly colored in red, yellow, blue, green, and pink, outlined with the heavy black line characteristic of the 1980s Pop Art movement. The pieces are housed in a partitioned, slide-top wooden storage box that measures roughly 12 inches in height. The box displays the 'Vilac' logo and the product name in a period-appropriate sans-serif typeface. The craftsmanship is of high quality, featuring solid wood construction and screen-printed graphics that have a smooth, tactile finish. Regarding condition, the set appears well-preserved with vibrant colors; however, miniscule scuffs are visible on the edges of the box, and light patina is suggested on the unpainted wooden interiors of the partitions. This set likely dates to the late 1990s or early 2000s, representing a posthumous collaboration licensed through the Keith Haring Estate. It serves as both a functional dexterity toy and a piece of collectible modern design.