Chiyo

SOLD

Features:

• Formerly an 'Oshogatsu' Barbie, featuring the beloved 'Steffie' face mold.
• Rerooted with 'Midnight Black' KatSilk saran hair, which was then cut and styled in the manner of the Maiko. Assorted Kanzashi (traditional hair ornaments) adorn her hair - faux-tortoiseshell hairsticks, a tsunami kanzashi 'comb' and a bira bira metallic flutter - all the pieces were imported by myself from Japan.
• Complete facial repaint with artist-quality acrylics, sealed for protection.
• Kimono is made out of a taffeta-like silk from a vintage Japanese kimono, which was dyed usong the traditional Yuzen method. It is partially lined with a silk rinzu (a traditional Japanese fabric that is softer than chirimen), and features two faux collars and faux inner sleeves (of silk rinzu), to give the illusion of a second kimono underneath, as it's traditonal to wear layers of kimono. When sewing in 1/6 scale, this would add too much extra bulk of fabric.
• To wear the kimono, Barbie had her waist padded (the traditionally preferred shape for Japanese women is a non-curvy form), then the kimono was carefully tied into position according to traditional methods which have been slightly adapted. The kimono is full length and is folded over around the waist (you can make out the fold just below the obi). Due to the complex nature of dressing the kimono, it is not advised to remove it, except for archival purposes. Care should be taken not to pull on the kimono, especially the bottom hem area.
• The obi is made from a piece of top-quality Japanese polyester brocade from a source in Japan. It is lined with a silk dupioni. It wraps around twice and is sewn into place in the back.A silk shibori obi-age is tucked into the top of the obi and peeks out alluringly, again as befitting a young woman (as a woman ages, the obi-age is tucked further and further in). A green obi-jime (cord) ties around her obi and sits in the upper third section, again as befitting a young woman.
• Green closed-toe shoes adorn her feet and in her hand she holds a delightful folding fan, which can also be worn folded and tucked into the obi.