Rare Labubu figures fetch luxury car prices at auction
Dubai: The world of collectible toys reached new heights in 2025 when rare Labubu figures commanded astronomical prices at auction. These toothy, gremlin-like creatures by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung have evolved from affordable blind box toys into investment-grade collectibles, with some selling for more than luxury cars.
The crown jewel of Labubu collecting, this 131-centimeter (4.25-foot) mint green figure shattered records when it sold for over $170,000 at Beijing's Yongle International Auction house in June 2025. Originally part of a first-generation release, this life-sized version represents the ultimate status symbol for collectors worldwide.
Standing at an impressive 160 centimeters tall, this brown Labubu sculpture fetched 820,000 yuan (approximately $132,000 with commission) at the same Beijing auction. Limited to just 15 pieces globally, this massive collectible combines artistic significance with extreme rarity, making it a cornerstone piece for serious collectors.
During Pharrell Williams' exclusive JOOPITER auction platform sale, 14 limited edition Labubu toys created in collaboration with Sacai and K-pop group Seventeen sold for between $7,000 to $11,000 each. The entire auction totaled $337,500, setting records for collaborative Labubu releases.
Originally retailing for around £164, this special plush edition has seen its value multiply dramatically on the resale market. UK collectors have paid over £1,000 (approximately $1,500) for this crossover collectible that merged two popular toy franchises.
Custom Labubu figures painted by independent artists or featuring unique modifications regularly sell for over $1,200. These one-of-a-kind pieces appeal to collectors seeking exclusive artwork that stands apart from mass-produced releases.
First-generation resin prototypes from Labubu's early development stages command premium prices exceeding $1,000. These rare pieces offer collectors a glimpse into the character's evolution and represent the earliest physical manifestations of Kasing Lung's creation.
Crossover collectibles featuring Labubu merged with other popular toy properties like Skullpanda regularly achieve prices starting at $800. These hybrid designs marry different fan bases, creating unique demand dynamics that drive up values significantly.
Created by artist Kasing Lung and popularized by Pop Mart, Labubu emerged from 'The Monsters' universe in 2015. The character's explosive growth culminated in 2024 when the Monsters series generated 3.04 billion yuan in revenue—a staggering 7.3-fold increase year-over-year.
Celebrity endorsements and social media virality have transformed these once-affordable blind box toys into serious collectibles. With production runs often limited to 100-300 units for special editions, scarcity drives the astronomical prices seen at recent auctions.
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