What began as a whimsical sketch by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung has now become a global collector’s sensation. A life-sized Labubu doll, standing 131 cm tall, was recently sold for a staggering 1.08 million yuan (over $150,000) at the Yongle International Auction in Beijing—setting a new record for the quirky “blind box” toy category. Labubu, the mischievous elf-like character from Lung’s 2015 book series The Monsters, gained cult status thanks to Chinese toy giant Pop Mart. Originally sold for around 50 yuan, these figurines skyrocketed in popularity after being spotted with celebrities like Lisa from BLACKPINK, David Beckham, and Rihanna, turning them into viral fashion accessories. The auction, the first ever dedicated solely to Labubu, featured 48 items and drew nearly 200 attendees. The highlight was a mint-green Labubu statue, which sparked a bidding frenzy. Another set of three smaller figurines, titled Three Wise Labubu, sold for over 500,000 yuan. This sale not only cements Labubu’s place in pop culture but also signals a shift in how collectibles are valued—where nostalgia, artistry, and social media buzz collide to create modern-day treasures.
From Toy Shelf to Auction Block: Labubu Doll Fetches Over $150,000 in Beijing
