Kimono Girl, Series 4 (Complete Set of 1 Minifigure)
col056 · Collectible Minifigures
Series 4 · 2011 - Debuted as part of the fourth wave of the blind-bag series during the early 'golden era' of CMF growth.
Figure ID
col056
Theme
Collectible Minifigures
Year Released
2011 - Debuted as part of the fourth wave of the blind-bag series during the early 'golden era' of CMF growth.
Rarity
Uncommon - While mass-produced in 2011, she was short-packed (only 3 in a box of 60) and is now a retired collector's item.
Head
White head (representing traditional O Shiroi makeup) with black eyebrows, thin eyes, and small red heart-shaped lips; features a unique black bun hairpiece with printed pink floral patterns.
Torso
Red torso with kimono printing; black obi (belt) with gold/dark red patterns and white cherry blossom (Sakura) branches; red arms with white hands.
Legs
2x2x2 red slope brick (skirt/robe piece) with detailed printing continuing the cherry blossom motif and blue/grey interior robe lining at the bottom.
Accessories
Original set included a folding fan (black with white/red printing) and a standard black 4x3 display stand (missing in image).
Color Scheme
Dominant Bright Red with White, Black, and Gold accents; features a pale White face and hair-decorations in Pink.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the head, hairpiece, front of torso, and the front slope of the dress piece; printing is crisp with excellent registration on the blossoms.
Variants
This is the original 2011 version; a similar but distinct 'Kimono Girl' was released in the Ninjago line, and a 'Geisha' appeared in Series 3 (col041) with a different color palette.
Condition Notes
The high-friction area is the neck-to-hair connection. The slope piece is prone to scratches on the large flat printing surface. Check for fading on the white face print.
Estimated Value
Used: $12 - $18 USD | New (Sealed Bag): $25 - $35 USD | Individual Parts: $4 - $6 for the hair specifically.
Price (New)
$2.99 USD (original retail price per blind bag in 2011).
Compatible Sets
8804-8 (Collectible Minifigures Series 4, No. 8).
Character Background
Inspired by traditional Japanese Geisha or Maiko; she represents Japanese cultural heritage within the LEGO 'Everyday People' universe.
Design Notes
Early use of the 65 degrees 2x2x2 slope brick as a replacement for standard legs to simulate a formal long gown, a technique later popularized in Disney and Ninjago lines.
Similar Minifigures
Series 3 Samurai (col043), Series 3 Geisha (col041), Series 5 Royal Guard (col071).
Collectibility
High - Required for complete Series 4 collections; highly sought after for MOC builders creating Asian-inspired dioramas or modular city gardens.
History
Followed the success of the Series 3 Geisha; proved the popularity of culturally specific figures which led to more diverse world-traveler figures in later series.
Interesting Facts
The hairpiece is a specialty mold that includes a tiny hole for a pin (feather or flower) but comes with the flower pattern pre-printed, a rare 'best of both worlds' design.
Display Suggestions
Display in a Japanese garden MOC with cherry blossom trees or in a CMF shadow box alongside other Series 4 characters like the Hazmat Suit and Musketeer.
Modification Potential
The head and hair are frequently used for 'Padmé Amidala' or 'Mulan' custom figures due to the white face-paint and traditional styling.
Overall Assessment
A beautiful example of early CMF innovation; the use of the slope brick for a dress and the printed hairpiece make it a standout for shelf display. Rating: 8/10.