Labubu toy sculpture sold for $150,000 at China auction
The rabbit-like figures sporting mischievous grins began as a character created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, and are made by Beijing-based toy brand Pop Mart.
They have been endorsed by celebrities such as Rihanna and Dua Lipa, and fans have queued overnight outside stores hoping to snag one, with analysts pointing to the phenomenon as evidence of China's growing soft power.
On Tuesday, a teal sculpture depicting a Labubu character with a furry body and head fetched an eye-watering 1.08 million yuan ($150,260) at an auction held in Beijing, according to the auction house's app.
The sculpture is "the only piece of its kind in the world", according to Yongle International Auction.
It was offered alongside other Labubu paraphernalia including a brown statue that sold for 820,000 yuan.
Pop Mart has over 400 stores globally, including 30 US branches.
The worldwide frenzy has seen people go to desperate lengths to acquire their own Labubu.
Last month a London branch of Pop Mart suspended in-store sales of the toys, fearing violence from would-be buyers who failed to get their hands on the limited-edition Labubus.
In Singapore, CCTV footage captured a family stealing Labubu dolls from a claw machine, according to Singaporean online media outlet AsiaOne.
Burglars broke into a store in California last week and took several Labubu dolls along with electronics and other valuables, American news outlet ABC reported.
In China, the toys have been promised as freebies for new bank customers -- an incentive quickly shut down by local regulators, according to Chinese media reports.
The toys have spawned a booming resale market as well as an online community of fans sharing tips on how to customise their dolls.
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Gulf Weekly
5 days ago
- Gulf Weekly
All dolled up!
Labubu mania has reached Bahrain's shores, with fans and collectors across ages tapping into the viral trend. So, what is it about the ubiquitous monster doll that makes it so covetable? Read on to find out. For the uninitiated, Labubu is a plush toy and figurine, which is part of 'The Monsters' series created by Hong Kong-based artist Kasing Lung. Based on Nordic mythology, it is known for its playful, mischievous nature, has a vinyl face and no tail. Some would even say it flaunts an eerie smile that is hard to miss. Other characters in the universe include Zimomo, Tycoco, Spooky and Pato. Introduced 10 years ago as part of a picture book series, the doll gained popularity after Pop Mart started selling it in 2019; the key ring accessory is available on their official website for more than $100 a pop. A selection of online and physical stores in Bahrain are also selling the toy and limited editions of it – the original ones are priced between BD18 and more than BD25 a piece, while the knock-offs can be purchased for as less as BD1.500. It will also be available at the Bahrain Summer Toy Festival being staged at Exhibition World Bahrain, Sakhir, until August 5. Recently, social media influencers have been opening the mystery boxes they come in online, promoting the Exciting Macaron range as a handbag accessory, further boosting the doll's rise to global fame and marking its entry into the world of fashion. Some celebrities who have been spotted with the toy dangling on their handbag are the Grammy Award-winning Rihanna, American socialite Kim Kardashian, Grammy and Brit Awards-winning Dua Lipa and Bollywood Gen Z heartthrob Ananya Panday. With the trend sweeping across the Gulf, digital influencers and well-known personalities in the region have also posted their love for Labubu on their social media pages. Arab beauty brand owner Huda Kattan, who founded Huda Beauty, also unboxed a Labubu on her TikTok page and, most recently, posted a reel of herself eating a 'Labubu Dubai chocolate', while putting the longevity of one of her lip products to the test. Bahraini collector Samar Busheri, who has been collecting vintage dolls and has an online store for Labubus, observed that the trend started in Kuwait. Bahrain caught on around two months ago. 'Adults and children in Bahrain are buying Labubus now but this trend is an old one – I got mine three years ago,' the graffiti artist from Manama told GulfWeekly. 'The adults who buy for themselves are in the age group of 18 to 40 and others buy it to make their children happy,' she added. Bahraini mother-of-one Maryam Husain believes that Labubus are a harmless little joy, and there's nothing wrong with children getting excited about it. 'But it's also a good chance to remind them that happiness isn't about buying things or always wanting more,' the 38-year-old added. Bahrain-based Russian expatriate and artist Alexandra Novik-Khamis believes that Labubus' 'odd and slightly creepy but cute' appearance makes them highly shareable on social media. 'There is the element of exclusivity, making it a collectable,' she said. 'When certain versions are limited edition or hard to find, it adds to the hype and desire,' added the 36-year-old, who has always loved toys and miniature collectables and, though she is not a big fan of the Labubu character, she owns one and finds the popularity surrounding the toy 'fascinating'. Like everything, Labubu also has two sides to the coin, with criticisms surrounding the hype – 'they're scary', 'they're too expensive'... Many have tagged the trend as capitalist and feeding a culture of overconsumption, especially since it is packaged as a blind box, 'forcing' buyers to make repeat purchases until they get their desired Labubu. The fashion world is also divided on the trend, with Sarah Jessica Parker, who is known for her style, especially after playing the lead character in the long-running series Sex and the City, offering an 'amused' and 'bewildered' look when asked about the ring accessories. American personality Alexandra Cooper, who hosts the popular podcast Call Her Daddy, asked the celebrity about the trend to which she responded, 'What is that?', sparking several debates that question if Labubus as an accessory are 'sophisticated' or 'polished' enough.
Bahrain This Week
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Exhibition World Bahrain Launches 'EWB's Imagination Station'
Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB) announces the launch of 'EWB's Imagination Station', a creative platform designed to offer engaging, family-oriented experiences through collaborations with a diverse range of local partners. The inaugural edition of EWB's Imagination Station will debut in parallel with the upcoming Bahrain Summer Toy Festival 2025, running from the 1st of July to the 5th of August 2025 at the East Lounge of EWB. This first activation is held in collaboration with Artly, a well-known Bahrain-based creative arts studio, and will feature an interactive lineup of arts and crafts activities tailored for children, teens, adults and families. At the heart of the experience are daily hands-on art stations that inspire creativity and encourage exploration through self-expression and collaborative engagement. Visitors of all ages can participate freely, and at their own pace, with activities suitable for both individual and group enjoyment. Creative highlights for walk-in visitors of this first edition include tote bag painting, the Fluid Bear Bar for acrylic-paint art on bear figures, and canvas painting, where Bahrain's landmarks come to life through guided designs. In addition to the walk-in stations, weekly guided art classes will be offered across various age groups starting with 4-year-olds and up to adults, with rotating workshops in painting, clay, and mixed media ranging from cookie decorating and mask-making to paracord bracelets, sand art, and self-portraits, ensuring something fresh and fun each week. Huda Al Shamlan, Director of Marketing, Communication and Partnerships at Exhibition World Bahrain commented' 'the launch of EWB's Imagination Station reflects our commitment to continually enhance the value of public-facing events hosted at our venue. Through collaborative partnerships such as this with Artly, Platinumlist and Bahrain Toy Festival, we aim to deliver enriching experiences that transform EWB into a year-round destination for creativity, learning, and family engagement.' She added: 'this initiative is not only about delivering enriching, hands-on experiences for families – it also underlines our dedication to supporting the local community by actively partnering with Bahraini businesses, entrepreneurs, and creative talents.' Shaikha Dwa bint Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Artly co-owner, shared her thoughts: 'we are delighted to collaborate with EWB on this first edition of Imagination Station. This initiative offers a unique opportunity to foster imagination, creativity, and connection through art. Visitor of all ages will enjoy accessible and meaningful ways to express themselves in a welcoming, playful and inspiring environment.' To further enhance EWB's offering this summer, the venue has partnered with Bahrain Toy Festival and GBL Group to offer exclusive children's birthday packages available throughout the Toy Festival. Families can celebrate their children's special day in a vibrant and festive environment filled with art, entertainment, and hands-on fun.
Gulf Insider
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- Gulf Insider
Bahrain: EWB Unveils Creative Zone at Summer Toy Fest
What began as a celebration of toys is fast transforming into a full-blown creative festival. Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB) is launching a hands-on art zone called 'EWB's Imagination Station', offering a new layer to the Bahrain Summer Toy Festival 2025 with daily interactive workshops and walkin art experiences for families. The new station, developed in partnership with the Bahrain-based creative studio Artly, aims to deliver more than just entertainment. Running from July 1st to August 5th alongside the Toy Festival, the initiative turns part of EWB's East Lounge into a working arts lab filled with painting stations, crafting corners, and design challenges for children, teens, and adults. Among the standout attractions is the 'Fluid Bear Bar', where visitors can paint acrylic designs on bear figures, along with canvas sessions that bring Bahrain's iconic landmarks to life. Other options include tote bag painting and guided DIY art classes for age groups starting at four years old and extending to adults. Each week, a rotating schedule will feature new creative experiences such as mask-making, cookie decorating, paracord bracelet weaving, clay modelling and more, ensuring no two visits are alike. 'We're turning EWB into a year-round destination for creativity, learning, and family engagement,' said Huda Al Shamlan, Director of Marketing, Communication and Partnerships at EWB. 'The Imagination Station is more than a summer add-on. It is part of a wider strategy to deepen the value of public-facing events at our venue.'
