A human-sized Labubu doll has shattered records, selling for a staggering 1.08 million yuan, equivalent to over $150,000 (£110,000), at a recent auction in Beijing. This monumental sale not only highlights the immense popularity of the quirky monster characters but also positions this particular figurine as the most expensive toy of its specific kind ever sold globally.
Standing at 131cm (4ft 4in), the hard-plastic PVC figure—a unique mint-green piece reportedly the only one of its kind—was the star lot at the Yongle International Auction. While regular Labubu dolls typically retail for around 50 yuan (about $7), the price fetched by this oversized collectible signals a dramatic surge in value, transforming a mass-market item into a high-end luxury asset.
What is Labubu?
Labubu is part of “The Monsters” series, mischievous, large-eyed characters with pointed ears and serrated teeth, created a decade ago by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung. Initially appearing in Lung’s children’s book, the characters are now produced and sold by the Chinese toy giant Pop Mart.
The Record-Breaking Auction
The auction was the world’s first dedicated entirely to Labubu collectibles. Featuring 48 items, the event attracted approximately 200 in-person attendees and nearly 1,000 total bidders participating live and online. Bidding was described as “intense,” underscoring the fervent demand. The auction generated a total of 3.73 million yuan (roughly $520,000) with every lot finding a buyer. Beyond the record-setter, other notable sales included a second, larger 5-foot Labubu figure which sold for over $130,000, and a “Three Wise Labubu” set fetching more than $80,000. Yongle Auction hailed the event as proof of “growing momentum of pop art in the auction market” and announced plans for regular Labubu auctions.
Why the Sky-High Price?
The meteoric rise in Labubu’s value and collectibility is largely fueled by a perfect storm of factors:
Celebrity Influence: High-profile endorsements have sent Labubu into the mainstream. K-pop superstar Lisa from Blackpink frequently features the dolls in her social media posts, sparking a global buying frenzy. Other major figures like Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and even former England football captain David Beckham (who posted an Instagram photo of a Labubu charm on his bag) have been seen with the toys, amplifying their cool factor.
Social Media Virality: The soft toy versions became a major viral trend on TikTok, with countless videos showcasing unboxing experiences, collection displays, and creative styling, further boosting international recognition.
Blind Box Strategy: Pop Mart’s popular “blind box” method – where customers purchase a sealed box without knowing which specific design they’ll get until opened – creates excitement, encourages repeat purchases, and fosters a vibrant trading community, driving demand and perceived scarcity.
Art Toy Movement: Labubu’s success reflects the increasing acceptance and investment potential of “art toys” – limited-production figures blending visual art, pop culture, and consumerism. The auction results are seen as stimulating within the traditional art market, indicating the growing influence of Hong Kong and mainland China in shaping contemporary cultural trends.
Labubu’s Impact on Pop Mart
The immense popularity of Labubu has been a significant contributor to Pop Mart’s success. The company reported revenue of 13 billion yuan for 2024, more than double the previous year’s figure. This boom has dramatically impacted founder Wang Ning, whose wealth reportedly increased by $8 billion between 2024 and 2025.
Pop Mart has also rapidly expanded its international footprint, opening new stores in countries like Italy and Spain recently. The global demand remains exceptionally high, even amidst potential trade disruptions like US tariffs. The buying frenzy has occasionally led to physical safety concerns; Pop Mart temporarily withdrew dolls from UK stores earlier this year following reports of disorderly queues and altercations among customers vying for the toys.
Joining the Elite Ranks
While the human-sized Labubu sets a record for its specific category, its $150k+ price tag also places it among the most expensive dolls ever sold globally. It ranks as the fourth most expensive overall, behind legendary figures like the $6.25 million L’Oiseleur automaton, the $5 million Madame Alexander Eloise doll, and the $302,500 Stefano Canturi Barbie, demonstrating the new heights achievable by designer toys on the global auction stage.
The sale of this single, large Labubu doll for such an extraordinary sum underscores the powerful confluence of artistic design, effective marketing, viral social trends, and celebrity endorsement in creating modern collectible phenomena with significant economic value.
