Joints decide how a doll moves - and how lifelike it feels in your hands. Here is what the labels actually mean.
Why joints matter
An unjointed doll is a fixed sculpture. Add joints and it can sit, stand, tilt its head and hold a pose - which is central to photographing and displaying a collection.
Single vs double joints
- Single joint: hinges in one direction - a simple elbow or knee bend.
- Double joint: two hinges in a row, allowing a deeper, more natural bend and a wider range of poses.
"Fully jointed" usually means the head, shoulders, elbows, hips and knees all move.
Ball-jointed dolls (BJD)
The most articulated dolls use ball-and-socket joints, often strung internally on elastic, so limbs rotate and hold position smoothly. These are the BJD and similar dolls beloved for customisation and posing.
Joint count and posing
Makers advertise a number of articulation points - 5, 11, 16 or more. More points mean finer control, useful for photography and dioramas. Joint count also affects price and, over time, resale. See the terms in our collector glossary.
Discover one-of-a-kind handmade art dolls at Like Art — every piece is made by an independent artist and ships worldwide.