when I made the Maiden Doll MA-165 Unboxing last year, I was quite impressed by the pretty manufacturer pictures they showed for 'their' dolls. Though, the actual product I got did not impress me equally; one of the reasons was that the heads did not have so much similarity with the manufacturer photos. What I learnt from this experience is that it is no unequivocal indication for a product's authenticity if a manufacturer runs an own factory or claims ownership about certain photos. Others might use the same photos, claim ownership as well, and even deliver the 'same' products, or at least similar ones.
One of the most confusing cross-links that showed up were between the brands Maiden Doll and Rifrano respectively a factory called Lifanou ("Guangzhou Lifanou International Trade Co., Ltd." aka "GuangZhou Maidendoll International Trade Co., Ltd."), and JY Doll. Both either use the same photos to depict their dolls, or even share sculpts and/or molds. However, both parties involved strictly denied to have any affiliation with the other. So possibly one copies from the other, or both copy from each other. One of the questions remaining was who was "the real deal" - both, one or none of both? I noted down to follow up on this at a later time. When I got an updated catalogue from Rifrano, showing an extensive listing of basically all existing TPE heads there are, I figured that now was the time to start talking with JY Doll and to get their side of the story.
My working hypothesis at this point is that at least certain heads and body styles that are marketed under the Maiden Doll respectively Rifrano brands actually originate from JY Doll. In the next weeks we'll see how far I'll get with that hypothesis. I'll try to start with a clean slate and try to forget everything I believe to know about JY. Please bear with me - not everything might actually be as it seems to be. Especially certain bad dolls supposed to have originated from JY might have had a different heritage. And there might be a couple of other surprises ahead, as well.
The next steps will be
- first to have a look at the available clues and evidence,
- then decide on a doll from the current JY's lineup to check and order her,
- then perform an in-depth check and
- finally draw some conclusions.
If that will be the final word about JY Doll still needs to be seen, but I will try my best to finally find out the truth about JY Doll.
As always feedback is welcome!
Sandro