Labubu: From Plush Charm to Art World Frenzy
Labubu: The Bug-Eyed Phenomenon Taking Over
Labubu—the quirky, wide-eyed elf-like creature—has grown from a niche character in children’s books into a full-fledged global pop culture icon. Emerging from The Monsters universe, a fantasy world created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in 2015, Labubu first appeared in illustrated picture books as a mysterious little forest spirit. Mischievous but kind, curious and gentle, Labubu was never a traditional hero, but rather a creature full of contradictions and quiet emotion.
Rather than following a single storyline, Labubu appears in many different forms—pirate, astronaut, flower fairy, ghost, knight, and more. Each edition reflects a different mood or persona, like stepping into a dream world where Labubu transforms yet remains instantly recognizable. This open-ended identity is a big part of its appeal. Fans aren’t just collecting—they’re interpreting, connecting, and projecting their own stories onto this strange little creature.
Labubu became popular in 2019 when it was launched by the toy brand Pop Mart. Each release came in a surprise blind box, which made collecting exciting and fun. On TikTok and Xiaohongshu, fans shared unboxing videos and display photos, helping spread the craze. With its unique look and playful themes, Labubu quickly won the hearts of collectors around the world.
Labubu human-sized figure sells for over $150,000 at Beijing auction
Art basel shop, 2025, Basel, Swizerland
Labubu at Art Basel
Labubu made a memorable debut at Art Basel 2025, with a special “Basel Blue” edition released exclusively in the fair’s official shop. Priced at CHF 200 (approximately US $245). Within 20 minutes of opening, half were gone. The frenzy spilled over into the resale market—within hours, listings showed prices reaching €1,500–$1,733, and one buyer was even heard offering $5,000 cash. Labubu has officially recognized as an art piece, worthy of attention from art collectors, galleries.
Offers on Dope: MEGA LABUBU Sketch 400%
Vinyl Art Toy, 70 cm, 2022
This rare 35 cm edition reimagines Labubu in clean black and white, like a sketch brought to life. Part of Pop Mart’s MEGA series, it stands out for its minimal design and sculptural feel. Click below to discover:
