Kizuna AI -Japanese Doll- 1/4 Scale Figure

Product Name: Kizuna AI -Japanese Doll- 1/4 Scale Figure

Kizuna Ai, known for her iconic bobbing gestures, has been transformed into an exquisite Japanese doll figure.

Both Japanese dolls and figures focus heavily on the face, and this Japanese doll figure is no different.

We painstakingly hand-painted her beautiful sparkling eyes and intricately crafted the vibrant floral decorations. Her graceful posture exudes a sense of modesty, resulting in this unique masterpiece.

The renowned Ichimatsu doll maker, Meisho Yamasaki, created the costume pattern.

The costume pattern was created by the renowned Ichimatsu doll maker, Meisho Yamasaki. Rather than adhering to a traditional dress style, Yamasaki incorporated elements that portray a sleek silhouette, primarily focusing on the flowing lines of a kimono. Leveraging the figure's unique body structure, we aimed to highlight the perfect fit and natural creases of the kimono, emphasizing the youthfulness of the ensemble.

The traditional techniques of Kata-Yuzen and Kinran have been used to depict the beauty of nature through its motifs.

The fabric for the furisode (long-sleeved kimono) section was dyed using the Kata-Yuzen technique. We checked the designs multiple times to ensure that the patterns seamlessly connect across the sewing lines. The first layer features peony and cherry blossom motifs, while the second layer, revealed when removing one sleeve, showcases hydrangea and butterfly patterns. These fabrics were dyed by the prestigious Kyoto textile merchant, Nishimura Shouji Shoten, at their Kyoto Yuzen workshop.

In Yuzen dyeing, craftsmen dye each color separately by carving the patterns on a mold and placing it on white fabric. By using one mold per color and repeating the process multiple times, a complete pattern emerges. After steaming to fix the colors, washing, and stretching to remove wrinkles, the fabric is completed. For this piece, the furisode with peony and cherry blossom patterns utilizes 13 colors, while the one with hydrangea and butterfly patterns uses 14 colors. Additionally, subtle gold dye is used throughout the fabrics, exuding a modest shine.

We also paid particular attention to the white fabric, using a luxurious material called Rinzu, which incorporates a woven texture. The combination of vibrant patterns dyed with Yuzen and the textured white fabric creates a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of vintage textiles. The fabric, meticulously dyed and given time and effort, emits a unique and deep color.

The obi section is woven using a textile called Kinran, incorporating various colors of thread, starting with gold, to create three-dimensional Rangiku (chrysanthemum), Kogiku (small chrysanthemum), and Kozakura (small cherry blossom) patterns. Kinran, woven in multiple layers, showcases various motifs three-dimensionally, reflecting the mastery of traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The high-density weaving gives the fabric a thickness similar to actual obi material, enhancing its luster and texture, and adding to the vibrant furisode.

Obijime (obi cord) and obiage (obi sash) featuring Tsumami-zaiku in the shape of plum blossoms.

To shape the obi, we used obiage, a cloth that ties the upper edge of the obi, and obijime, which is used to tie the center of the obi. Both play a crucial role in creating stylish kimono ensembles. In this case, we designed them in the shape of plum blossoms, and the obiage knot in particular uses the tsumami-zaiku technique.

Tsumami-zaiku is a traditional Japanese craft that involves folding and pinching small square pieces of cloth to create various floral and seasonal patterns. This tsumami-zaiku decoration, featuring plum blossoms, adds a delicate accent to its visual charm. The tsumami-zaiku presented here was crafted by Tsumami Zaiku Ichirindo.

Adorned with the elegance and beauty of traditional Japan, we invite you to welcome Kizuna AI into your collection.