Labubu dolls, once a niche creation by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, have exploded into a global phenomenon, breaking auction records and captivating collectors worldwide. The recent auction of a human-sized Labubu doll for over $150,000 has cemented its status as the most valuable designer toy of its time.
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What Are Labubu Dolls?
Labubu is a whimsical, fanged plush character first introduced in 2015 through Kasing Lung’s Nordic-inspired picture books. Manufactured by Pop Mart, these dolls are part of “The Monsters” series, featuring unique designs and playful personalities. While most Labubu figures are small and sold in “blind boxes,” the brand’s limited editions and collaborations have driven a surge in demand and value.
From Art to Auction: Labubu’s Journey
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Origin: Created by Kasing Lung, inspired by Nordic fairy tales, and brought to life by Pop Mart in plush and figurine form.
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Early Days: Initially a niche collectible, Labubu gained traction through social media and celebrity endorsements, particularly from K-pop star Lisa (Blackpink), Rihanna, and Dua Lipa.
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Market Expansion: Pop Mart’s global expansion and viral marketing have propelled Labubu into the spotlight, with collectors lining up at vending machines and online auctions for rare releases.
Record-Breaking Auctions: The Most Expensive Labubu Dolls
The Landmark Auction
In June 2025, the Yongle International Auction House in Beijing hosted the first-ever auction dedicated entirely to Labubu dolls. The highlight was a life-sized, mint-green Labubu statue standing 131 cm (4.3 feet) tall, which sold for 1.08 million yuan (about $150,275), making it the most expensive Labubu—and one of the world’s most expensive dolls—ever sold.
Other High-Value Sales
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A five-foot brown Labubu doll was auctioned for over $114,000, while a set of three smaller “Three Wise Labubu” sculptures fetched 510,000 yuan.
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The total auction revenue reached nearly 3.73 million yuan from 48 lots, with over 1,000 online bidders and about 200 attendees in person.
Factors Driving Value
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Rarity: Limited editions and unique collaborations (e.g., Labubu x Vans) command premium prices.
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Celebrity Endorsements: Social media posts by global stars have fueled demand and hype.
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Blind Box Phenomenon: The surprise element of blind boxes makes each purchase feel special, increasing collector engagement.
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Craftsmanship: Larger, handmade figures are particularly prized for their uniqueness and artistry.
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Labubu’s Impact on the Collectibles Market
Labubu’s rise has redefined the designer toy market, illustrating the power of viral trends and celebrity culture in driving value. Pop Mart’s revenue has soared, and the company continues to expand globally, hosting monthly auctions and releasing new series to meet collector demand.
Labubu Auction Highlights
| Data Point | Value |
|---|---|
| Final sale price of human-sized Labubu doll | 1.08 million yuan (~$150,275) |
| Doll height | 131 cm (4.3 feet) |
| Total auction revenue | 3.73 million yuan |
| Number of lots sold | 48 |
| Price for three Labubu sculptures | 510,000 yuan |
| Previous auction price for limited edition | HKD 203,200 (~$25,889) |
| Auction attendees (in person) | ~200 |
| Online bidders | Over 1,000 |
| Starting price for all items | Zero |
Labubu in Pop Culture
Labubu’s quirky design and viral appeal have made it a staple in pop culture. Sightings of Labubu dolls with celebrities like Lisa, Rihanna, and David Beckham have only increased their desirability. The dolls are now not just toys but symbols of status, creativity, and investment potential.
Collecting Labubu: Tips for Enthusiasts
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Act Fast: Limited releases sell out quickly both online and at vending machines.
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Buy from Trusted Sources: Avoid counterfeits by purchasing from official Pop Mart channels or reputable auction houses.
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Stay Connected: Join collector communities and follow social media trends for news on upcoming releases and auctions.
FAQs
Q1: What is the most expensive Labubu doll ever sold?
The human-sized mint-green Labubu sold for 1.08 million yuan (about $150,275) at a 2025 Beijing auction.
Q2: Why are Labubu dolls so valuable?
Their value comes from rarity, celebrity endorsements, unique designs, and limited edition releases.
Q3: Who created Labubu?
Labubu was created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and is produced by Pop Mart.
Labubu dolls have transformed from niche collectibles into global auction sensations, driven by a blend of artistry, scarcity, and pop culture influence. As prices soar and demand intensifies, Labubu’s story exemplifies how modern collectibles can capture the world’s imagination and redefine what it means to be valuable in today’s market.
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