Sunday, July 27, 2014

Unique Collectible BJD Doll Features

By Paulette Mason


From the earliest of times, people have held a special affinity for figurines that take on the human form. These come in a myriad of styles from the simple toys loved by children to the display only manikins treasured by collectors. Of all the various types available, the BJD doll is definitely one of the more unique genres.

There are many key features that make these dolls quite different from other styles available. The uniqueness starts with the very thing for which they are named, their ball jointed articulation points. These are the very reason the manikins can be more realistically posed in natural human positions for more interesting displays.

Most of these figurines will have articulation at key points such as the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, ankles and possibly at the waist as well. This type of set up allows them to be posed easily into natural human positions and to move smoothly. Sturdy electric cording is what holds everything together and permits the lifelike actions.

Their unusual looks are another reason many people find them so attractive. Made mostly in the Asian nations of China, Japan and South Korea, the style has often been explained as a realistic human representation but with a definite anime' influence, especially in the face. Hauntingly beautiful, these items are not really meant to be playthings for children, but rather as treasures for enthusiasts and adult collectors.

A small percentage of these products are made in lightweight vinyl or thin plastics for cost effectiveness, though the majority are cast in a special resin that is a bit harder, more durable and quite dense. Starting in the vicinity of about $100, these items are definite treasures as they can end up costing more than $1200. On the average, a mid range figurine will run between $600 and $700.

Customization is yet another feature that makes this style of figurine very attractive to many avid collectors. Practically all aspects of these dolls are designed to optimize the personalization experience. So many features, including appendages, hair, clothing, torsos, heads, eyes and many more items, are all made in such a way that the owner can choose their own preferences and even change them at will.

They also come in many different sizes. The smallest available options stand about 4" high, have limited facial definition and are commonly called Pocket Fairies because of how adorable they are. The larger manikins, rising to an impressive height of 27.5", allow for a lot more detailing to be done, particularly in the area of the face.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about this genre of manikin is the way they can be made to represent the human form at practically any stage of maturity, from the toddler phase to adulthood, with an uncanny accuracy and detail. The majority of these forms are made to be anatomically correct and to properly represent their intended age development, though those emulating young children are often made without any genitalia. Clients can even order different styles of interchangeable breastplates in order to get a particular look.




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