Human-Sized Labubu Doll Sells for Over $150,000 in Record-Breaking Auction
A rare, human-sized Labubu doll has sold for an astonishing 1.08 million yuan (approximately $150,000) at an auction in Beijing, setting a new global record for the collectible toy line.
Standing at 131cm (4ft 4in), the oversized figurine was the star attraction at Yongle International Auction’s dedicated Labubu event, where 48 items were put up for bid. The auction attracted around 200 collectors and enthusiasts, raising a total of 3.37 million yuan.
Labubu figures, originally created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, have evolved from niche art toys into cultural icons, helped by celebrity endorsements and a strong online fanbase. Typically sold for around 50 yuan through toy company Pop Mart, the quirky monster-themed dolls have seen skyrocketing demand in recent years.
Much of the global buzz can be credited to appearances in social media posts by high-profile figures including K-pop star Lisa from Blackpink, as well as Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and David Beckham, who once shared an image of a Labubu keychain on his bag.
Pop Mart’s use of “blind box” packaging – where buyers don’t know which character they’re purchasing until they open the box – has added to the toys’ mystique and collectability. The company has become so popular that it temporarily withdrew the dolls from UK stores earlier this year after reports of in-store scuffles among eager buyers.
The booming popularity of Labubu toys has been a key driver of Pop Mart’s financial growth. The company reported revenue of 13 million yuan in 2024, more than doubling its earnings from the previous year. It also expanded its international footprint, opening new locations in five countries, including Italy and Spain.
The record-setting sale is a new milestone in the Labubu craze, cementing the toy’s status not just as a collector’s item, but as a global pop culture phenomenon.
