A fabric-covered doll can conceal different kinds of construction. Tokyo’s references for kimekomi and isho-gi dolls describe different relationships between the body and its clothing.
Technique and structure
For kimekomi, the reference describes a body made from paulownia powder bound with paste. Glue is placed in its grooves before the cloth is tucked in, and the account notes that a single layer of fabric lies directly over the body. The isho-gi specification instead describes dressing a body with fully made-up clothing or clothing backed with washi, adding volume with cotton or wood wool. In one method the grooved body governs the close-fitting fabric surface; in the other, dressing and padding are distinct parts of assembly.
A different question from the costume’s appearance
The isho-gi reference separately specifies wire for attaching the limbs. Neither a costume motif nor a facial expression explains that internal connection.
For international readers
Ask the maker which construction the actual doll uses and how it should be handled. These references provide no home-restoration instructions. No costume pattern or doll artwork is reproduced.
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日本語
江戸の人形：木目込みと着せ付けの構造を読む
木目込人形は桐材の粉を糊で固めた桐塑の胴体に溝を設け、糊づけして布を木目込みます。衣裳着人形の規定では、本仕立てまたは和紙で裏打ちした衣裳を、綿や木毛で肉づけして着せ付けます。見える衣装の柄とは別に、布と胴体の関係、手足を組み付ける針金も区別して読む解説です。