Freemasonry - BE@RBRICK
No organization incites as much mystery and fascination as the Freemasons. While hardly a secret society, limited knowledge about the group's purpose has led to wild theories and rumors about their activities. Its prominence in popular culture has led to references in tons of media, including the BE@BRICK line. The "BE@RBRICK Freemasonry 100% & 400%" figure set displays the subtle imagery of the Freemasons packaged in a deceptively cute design.
Freemasonry and BE@RBRICK Collaboration Background
Medicom Toy has released multiple BE@RBRICK figures using Freemason imagery. These figures are part of collaborations with third parties unaffiliated with the Grand Lodge of Japan or Freemasons elsewhere.
Collaboration Planning and Launch History
The first BE@RBRICK to display Freemasonry imagery was released in July of 2017. It was designed in partnership with the Toshidu Foundation. Interestingly, the Grand Lodge of Japan publicly does not associate with the Foundation. However, Toshidu is involved with producing a decent amount of Freemason imagery in Japan. In November 2017, two more Freemasonry BE@RBRICKs came out in collaboration with fragmentdesign. These figures featured primarily black and white designs and included the fragmentdesign logo as well as the Freemason compass.
BE@RBRICK Freemasonry 100% & 400%
This teddy bear style BE@RBRICK figure set contains subtle design details related to the Freemason fraternity. The figure body features a tan body with darker brown limbs and ears. A bowtie on the figure's chest features a red and yellow brick-like pattern, referencing the organization's roots in stone masonry. On the back, each figure displays the Freemasonry Square and Compasses symbol with the "G" in the middle. The cartoon bear face, with black outlined snout and curved, smiling mouth, adds an element of cuteness to the figure. As an added detail, the figure's inner ears are a lighter color to give the figure a stuffed animal effect.
- Product Name: BE@RBRICK Freemasonry 100% & 400%
- Manufacturer: Medicom Toy
- Specifications: Set of 2 painted and articulated plastic figures
- Height (Approx.):
100%: 70mm | 2.8"
400%: 280mm | 11"
Freemasonry Background
Freemasonry is one of the leading fraternal organizations in the world. Consisting of a network of organizations, most can trace their origin to 14th-century stonemason fraternities. Currently, there are over 3 million registered Masons with 1.1 million residing in North America.
Freemasonry Background: History
While the exact medieval origin of Freemasonry is disputed, the current organization began in London in 1717. Many members believe the organization evolved from the stonemason and cathedral builder guilds of the Middle Ages. After a decline in cathedral construction, the still operative guilds began accepting honorary members to bolster their numbers. Records of the first ceremonial regalia date back to the 15th century. While the first Grand Lodge association formed in London in 1717, there are records of Lodge associations in the Pennsylvania colony dated 1715.
There are two main groups within Freemasonry: Regular Freemasonry and Continental Freemasonry. Regular Freemasonry mandates adherence to an open scripture within a Lodge and that every member express belief in a Higher Being. Regular Freemasonry also bans women and discussion of politics and religion. Continental Freemasonry refers to groups that have omitted some of these restrictions. The origins of Continental Freemasonry can be traced back to the political and religious schism between British and French Orders in the 19th century.
Freemasonry Background: Reception
Freemasonry has faced opposition since its inception. The first notable opposition of the Freemasons came from the Roman Catholic Church. The Catholic Church denounced Freemasonry as a contradiction to Church doctrine. Protestant opposition to Freemasonry similarly saw the practice as a threat to the Church, but for different reasons. While the Catholic Church disputed the Freemason rationalization of God, the Protestants accused the society of occult behavior and mysticism. In general, Freemasonry has been likened to a religion itself due to its reliance on doctrine and ritual. In addition to organized opposition, Freemasonry has also been the subject of many conspiracy theories. These conspiracy theories often link Freemasons with underground political manipulation or involve the perceived power of the Knights Templar.
While most Masonic Lodges are in Europe and North America, there are international branches recognized by the Grand Lodge in England. In Asia, fourteen countries have internationally recognized Grand Lodges. Freemasonry entered these countries usually through British or American forces. Some countries banned or suppressed Freemasonry in opposition to Western political influence. While there are famous African American lodges, the organization also receives accusations of being a club for white men.
Freemasonry Background: Notable Members and Lodges
Several US Presidents have been confirmed members of the Freemasons. Confirmed members include George Washington, Andrew Jackson, and Theodore Roosevelt. Since 1967, the Grand Master of the Freemasons in England has been Prince Edward, Duke of Kent.
Links
BE@RBRICK Freemasonry 100% & 400%
BE@RBRICK Series
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