Doll of the Month: Ami
Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 2:17PM 
Happy February! I know that for most February is a time of love and romantic goodness, but for me it is one of the busiest times of the year. Not only is it midterm season, but the holiday Hina Matsuri is quickly approaching and stocking up before then is a challenge. I recently picked up some new papers that I am anxious to show off, but until then I wanted to feature a doll that uses paper I no longer have in stock. She is available exclusively through Zibbet, and her name is Ami.
I named her "Ami" (亜美) which translates into "beauty of Asia" in Japanese (A big thank you to Emi who helped clarify my translation!). I chose that name because I really felt like the floral motifs found on her clothing and her gold and red coloring captured the image of "Asia" in the Western imagination. Her haori jacket features primarily gold floral design with green, white, and rust orange accents, while her kimono paper is a deep fire engine red with stylized Japanese clouds, fans, and sakura (cherry blossom) motifs. But the colors red and gold also have meaning in China, and since I have been assisting with a Chinese art class recently, I have been reflecting on these types of themes (and how Chinese themes get translated into Japanese culture). Red and gold help capture happiness, wealth, and prosperity in China, and with the Chinese New Year recently past, I thought that no other colors could be appropriate for this month! Xin nian kuai le (新年快乐)!
I have about three or four of these dolls left, but once they sell they are gone permanently unless I can locate more of this paper. I rarely make dolls with a haori jacket because it takes a lot more time and it is not often when I have paper that I can cut into the right size. I hope you enjoyed this doll of the month!
