By Paulette Mason
For centuries, people have enjoyed playing with, or collecting figurines that emulate the human form. There are many types of these products, from the childhood toy to the lifelike and articulated manikins. The BJD doll is perhaps one of the most intriguing, unique and versatile styles of this collectible art.
There are a number of features that actually make these dolls stand out from all the others on the market. The most obvious of these is the one for which they are named, their ball and socket joints. These allow the figure to be fully articulated and to be placed in more realistic human positions and poses for the most accurate postures in display situations.
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.
Another thing that makes them so desired is their unique look. Produced primarily in South Korea, Japan and China, this type of figurine has been described as an homage to realistic movement with a heavy anime' influence in the facial features. They are stunningly beautiful and generally intended to be owned by adult collectors instead of used as playthings for small children.
Though a small portion of these types of products are made with plastic or in vinyl, the majority are produced in resin which is harder, stronger and considerably more dense. Beginning at around one hundred dollars, these figures are typically a bit more expensive than other types and have been known to exceed $1200. The average cost for a completed item is usually in the vicinity of six hundred dollars.
Another reason a lot of die-hard collectors love this style is that they are fully customizable. Just about every part of these figurines is capable of being personally selected or altered by the individual. Appendages, heads, torsos, breastplates, eyes, hair, clothing and accessories can all be purchased separately which allows the bearer to not only build their perfect design, but to change a single feature if desired.
When it comes to size, these items have quite a variety of options. Often referred to as Pocket Fairies, the tiny versions stand about four inches tall, and while they are small and adorable, their facial detail is somewhat limited. At the opposite end of the scale are the larger figures that stand about twenty-seven and a half inches and usually feature a great deal of fine detailing in 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.
There are a number of features that actually make these dolls stand out from all the others on the market. The most obvious of these is the one for which they are named, their ball and socket joints. These allow the figure to be fully articulated and to be placed in more realistic human positions and poses for the most accurate postures in display situations.
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.
Another thing that makes them so desired is their unique look. Produced primarily in South Korea, Japan and China, this type of figurine has been described as an homage to realistic movement with a heavy anime' influence in the facial features. They are stunningly beautiful and generally intended to be owned by adult collectors instead of used as playthings for small children.
Though a small portion of these types of products are made with plastic or in vinyl, the majority are produced in resin which is harder, stronger and considerably more dense. Beginning at around one hundred dollars, these figures are typically a bit more expensive than other types and have been known to exceed $1200. The average cost for a completed item is usually in the vicinity of six hundred dollars.
Another reason a lot of die-hard collectors love this style is that they are fully customizable. Just about every part of these figurines is capable of being personally selected or altered by the individual. Appendages, heads, torsos, breastplates, eyes, hair, clothing and accessories can all be purchased separately which allows the bearer to not only build their perfect design, but to change a single feature if desired.
When it comes to size, these items have quite a variety of options. Often referred to as Pocket Fairies, the tiny versions stand about four inches tall, and while they are small and adorable, their facial detail is somewhat limited. At the opposite end of the scale are the larger figures that stand about twenty-seven and a half inches and usually feature a great deal of fine detailing in 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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