Brian Jeffrey
Ball-jointed dolls, or BJDs, are considered luxury items, and few artisans in Vietnam specialize in their creation. One of these skilled individuals is Nguyen Thi Thu Nga, born in 1990 in Hai Phong.
Your journey into the world of BJD crafting began unexpectedly roughly ten years ago.
Nga had always admired BJDs since she was in high school, captivated by their realistic features and flexible posing. However, the price of these dolls kept them out of her reach. In 2014, after two years of work and savings, she attempted to order one from South Korea.
Unfortunately, a problem during her transaction derailed her plans to buy the doll, which ultimately motivated her to try making one herself. Delving into online resources, she gathered materials and began to experiment with doll-making.
Initially, Nga used clay to sculpt her dolls, but her early creations didn’t meet her visual standards. “I encountered numerous challenges at the outset. It was a steep learning curve that came with high expenses from failed attempts,” she described.
Embarking on the journey of BJD creation meant Nga had to learn to execute numerous tasks, including sculpting, makeup application, and designing outfits, accessories, and even hairstyles.
“The process exposes me to dust, paint, chemicals, and inks, so I had to purchase protective gear to safeguard my health while engaging in this passion,” she noted.
Producing a high-quality BJD can take Nga anywhere from two to three months to two years, depending on the complexity. She has broken the entire process into five distinct stages.
The first stage, the prototype creation, may take one to two years. Following this, she spends four months casting the doll using high-quality resin.
During the third stage, she dedicates two weeks to applying makeup and detailing the body. She then crafts the doll’s accessories and clothing, which takes one to two months. The final stage involves two days of styling, photographing, and packaging the finished product.
“If I overlook the prototype-making phase, I take roughly two to three months to finish one BJD. Including the prototype, the total time is about two years for each doll,” she clarified.
After extensive research and development, Nga has refined her doll-making process, achieving results that rival international brands in the doll-collecting sphere. Each of her creations is one-of-a-kind, featuring unique themes and narratives, all adorned with 24 articulated joints for flexible posing.
Nga’s dolls stand out through the incorporation of Vietnamese cultural elements, such as traditional ao dai garments and conical hats. These culturally inspired dolls have garnered interest from international buyers, with some collectors purchasing multiple dolls showcasing the ao dai due to their appreciation for Vietnam’s traditional clothing.
Looking ahead, Nga plans to integrate even more Vietnamese visuals into her creations to promote her nation’s culture further.
Currently, Nga has built a solid international customer base. Her bespoke BJDs, each with a distinct theme, are priced between 20 to 40 million VND. Despite the premium prices, collectors and enthusiasts eagerly place orders.
“This work fuels my passion, encourages patience, boosts creativity, and fosters a continuous drive for innovation,” Nga remarked. “Crafting these dolls not only inspires me in various aspects of life, but it also offers a sense of relaxation, helping me manage stress and concentrate.”
Ha Nguyen
