Merz™ are the fantastical invention of Seattle artist Karin Kough. Approximately 7 inches tall, they are formed by hand entirely of polymer clay, without painting. Their unique faces show the influence of Manga by way of the original 1959 Barbie. In place of scales, Merz tails are made of dozens of polymer “tiles,” grouted with more polymer, fired and sanded. They are obviously labor/time-intensive, and only exist because of Karin’s freaky mermaid obsession.