Originally it was created by Dutch Artist Margriet van Breevoort. The word Zhdun in Russian comes from zhdat’ (“to wait”), and literally means “waiter” in a non-catering sense; it sounds very funny in Russian/The sculptor’s daughter with Zhdun. According to its Dutch creator, it symbolizes patients (mostly children) and people who line up patiently to see a doctor or board a flight. Homunculus has now taken up residence in a children’s hospital in the Netherlands, tasked with brightening up the lives of young patients.

Are these being made in partnership with the artist, or with the artist's consent?

I like it but the paywall system is a little janky. Sends me right to an eBay login page and then even if I login it doesn't give me the option to select colour, etc.