Kimono Girl
col04-03 / col051 · Collectible Minifigures
Series 4 · Released in April 2011, during the early boom of the Collectible Minifigure Series which revolutionized LEGO business models and figure-specific printing and molding techniques.
Figure ID
col04-03 / col051
Theme
Collectible Minifigures
Year Released
Released in April 2011, during the early boom of the Collectible Minifigure Series which revolutionized LEGO business models and figure-specific printing and molding techniques.
Rarity
Uncommon to Rare. While mass-produced in blind bags, it is a highly sought-after retired character from an early series, often appearing in higher price brackets than its contemporaries.
Head
Light Nougat skin tone with black pupils, white highlights, red tiny lips, and thin arched eyebrows. It features a unique black high-bun hair mold (part 93555) often referred to as Geisha hair.
Torso
Red kimono design with light blue and light nougat wrap underlay. Traditional cherry blossom (Sakura) print in white and pink, and a dark green/black obi (belt) with gold and floral patterns.
Legs
In place of standard legs, it uses a 2x2x2 sloped red brick printed with continued kimono folds, cherry blossoms, and a light-colored shoe/sock (tabi) detail at the bottom base.
Accessories
A dark red folding fan (part 93556), which was a new mold introduced specifically for this figure in 2011.
Color Scheme
Primary red, accented with white/pink blossoms and a gold/dark green obi. The light nougat skin reflects LEGO's movement away from the standard yellow for specific cultural representations.
Printing Details
High-quality pad printing on the torso front and the rare 2x2x2 sloped skirt piece. The alignment between the torso and sloped brick is a key indicator of quality for this specific figure.
Variants
None officially, though it is often confused with the later 'Kimono Girl' variants or Geishas seen in Ninjago, which have different color palettes and face prints.
Condition Notes
Common wear includes scratching on the sloped brick's large surface area and potential fading of the white cherry blossom prints. The fan accessory is prone to being lost or having bite marks.
Estimated Value
Used complete: $15 - $22; New/Sealed in bag: $25 - $35. Value fluctuates based on demand for 'Around the World' or Japanese-themed displays.
Price (New)
Original retail price was $2.99 USD per blind bag in 2011.
Compatible Sets
8804-3 (Series 4 individual bag); 4591465 (Series 4 full box).
Character Background
A representation of traditional Japanese culture, specifically a girl wearing a formal Furisode kimono. Although often called a Geisha by fans, the LEGO name is officially Kimono Girl.
Design Notes
Notable for the use of the 2x2x2 slope (part 3678b) to represent a dress, a technique that was relatively rare for minifigures at the time and paved the way for modern 'curved' dress elements.
Similar Minifigures
Series 3 Samurai, Ninjago Nya (Kimono versions), Series 5 Royal Guard (due to contemporary release), and Series 19 Fox Costume Girl.
Collectibility
High. Early CMF series figures maintain strong value, and the aesthetic appeal of the Japanese theme makes it a staple for custom MOC builders and collectors of cultural figures.
History
This was one of the first figures to bring a modern, detailed 'World Culture' aesthetic to the CMF line, moving away from the generic faces of earlier City or Ninja themes.
Interesting Facts
The fan piece was so successful that it became a standard accessory for female characters in the Ninjago theme shortly after. This figure is frequently used in 'MOC' (My Own Creation) builds of Japanese tea houses.
Display Suggestions
Ideal for display in a Cherry Blossom garden vignette or alongside the LEGO Architecture Himeji Castle set. Best protected in a UV-protected acrylic case due to the red plastic's sensitivity to fading.
Modification Potential
The sloped dress piece is highly desirable for creating custom royal or historical female figures from other cultures.
Overall Assessment
An iconic Series 4 figure. It earns a 9/10 for design and cultural representation, remaining one of the most elegant figures of the early 2010s era.