If you have seen photos of enormously articulated dolls with painted faces, you have met the jointed doll family. The three names you will see most often are BJD, Blythe and OB11.
BJD - Ball-Jointed Doll
BJDs are strung with elastic and use ball joints, which allow almost human posing. Sizes range from tiny (10 cm "tinies") to 70 cm+ "SD" dolls. Heads are usually resin, and the community customises everything: face-ups, wigs, eyes, bodies and outfits.
Blythe
Blythe is a specific doll format: a famously oversized head with a small body and a rotating eye mechanism - you pull a cord to change eye colour. Out of the box they are mass produced, but the collector scene is built on custom Blythes: re-rooted hair, carved faces, hand-painted make-up, and entirely new outfits.
OB11
OB11 is a small (roughly 11 cm body) articulated body format, hugely popular as a base for custom figures and "mini-me" dolls. Because the body is so small yet poseable, OB11 dolls photograph beautifully and are a favourite for travel shots.
Quick comparison
- Articulation: BJD > OB11 > Blythe
- Size: BJD (10-70 cm) > Blythe (~30 cm) > OB11 (~11 cm body)
- Customisation culture: all three, extremely active
- Best for: BJD = photography and posing; Blythe = character and nostalgia; OB11 = tiny, charming customs
Which one is right for you?
Collectors usually start with the scale they find most photogenic, then add the others. Many makers offer hand-made outfits and accessories that fit all three families.
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