Well many of you DAers may have noticed the recent influx. Dolls are on the rise, and they're hitting art in a way that they haven't even come close to in the past.

Dolls photographed for art's sake have been around quite a long time, that is true. But the flavour of the photography has always been a bit poignant and moody. A broken toy left and forgotten, a doll as a representation of a person, alone and unwanted.

BJDs, or Asian Balljointed Dolls are an entirely different thing altogether. This is a craze not only amoung doll collectors, but in the photography realm as well.

Goodbye Sad-apple Sally and your lost button eye. Hello beautifully cared for and articulated dolls that look hauntingly human. These dolls are colourful, lovely and the world they live in is not morose, nor is it dreary. It's colourful and vibrant. It is what little girls really wanted when they tried to make little outfits for their barbies on their mother's sewing machines.

But what exactly differentiates these hunks of plastic from Mattel's money makers?

Here are the bare bone facts people.

What makes a BJD?

There are a few criteria that mark BJD specifically. First of all is the material they are made of. A plastic called resin (Either French Resin, a translucent, lovely type, or it's more matte cousin, urethane.)

Secondly, it helps if they were made in asia. Since that's where the A in ABJDs originates. But this isn't a must. Lots of north american companies are starting to notice what a cash cow this industry is starting to be. But many collectors indicate an "Asian aesthetic is required" what does that mean? Well some aren't quite sure, since it has nothing to do with specifically asian features. Others indicate that you'll start to see it once you've been around long enough.

Most important? Ball Joints. A BJD is actually made up of many different detachable parts strung together with elastic. The tension of the elastic is what helps the dolls to move how directed, and also lets them hold a myriad of poses. Companies vying for collectors' love have been adapting and changing these bodies for years, trying to make up the perfect formula between aesthetic and posability.

Alright. A doll. ?_? Cool.....?

Why so much fuss over these little plastic beauties? Well they aren't actually so little. They range from as small as 7cm to as large as 80cm. The most popular size generally sitting in the 60cm range. Resin casting is an expensive and volotile art, and well, doll enthusiasts are willing to shell out dollars for these Dollfies.

What the bleeding H do you DO with it?

Well anything you want really. The possibilities really are endless. Those lovely faces you see don't come without effort. Some collectors revel in learning to painstakingly paint the tiniest hairs and eyebrows and lashes, colour and paint their faces realistically or blush their entire bodies. The work is so tiny and painstaking, it truly is an art form.

Others with talent elsewhere, create gorgeous miniature clothes and outfits.

Still others create custom wigs. All BJDs are entirely customizable. You can give them new hair in the form of wigs, and new eyes as your heart sees fit.

And more? Modifications with sand paper and epoxy.

Most popular after all this is complete is to then photograph your creation.

And some people are DARN good at it.


The hobby is full of talents, and when it comes to dolls, information REALLY is power. Where the next limited preorder for your favourite head is going to be, where to score gorgeous brand outfits. The hunting is a lot of work, but the prize is well worth the effort.

No. These dolls don't have souls. But here are a few examples of truly gorgeous works, that, even if you're not interested in shelling out the dollars yourself, you may at least be interested in perusing.