Oriental Barbie , 1981
80 x 30 x 1 in (h x w x d)

This was Mattel’s first Asian Barbie doll. Although she had a unique face sculpt, she was officially marketed as “Oriental Barbie,” using an offensive and outdated term for East Asian people. In addition to this insensitive slight, the doll had her head pushed down on the neck to simulate a shorter neck than standard Barbie.

Exhibited by:

Global Stories

Other works by Mattel

Black Barbie , 1979
80 x 50 x 1 in (h x w x d)
Global Stories
Talking Christie , 1968
80 x 50 x 1 in (h x w x d)
Global Stories
USD
4.00
Dolls of the World Collection , 1980-1985
80 x 100 x 1 in (h x w x d)
Global Stories
USD
11.00

More from Global Stories

Joss American Girl Doll , 2020
70 x 90 x 1 in (h x w x d)
Global Stories
USD
98.00
Barbie Fashionista - Hearing Aid , 2022
70 x 40 x 1 in (h x w x d)
Global Stories
USD
15.00
Baby Charlie and Baby Amelia with Down Syndrome , 2021
80 x 60 x 1 in (h x w x d)
Global Stories
USD
17.00
Down Syndrome Barbie , 2023
60 x 40 x 1 in (h x w x d)
Global Stories
USD
11.00
Share a Smile Becky , 1997
70 x 70 x 1 in (h x w x d)
Global Stories