An ancient bronze artifact at China's Luoyang Museum has gone viral for its striking resemblance to Labubu, a wildly popular collectible toy created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung in 2015. The artifact, an Eastern Zhou Dynasty ceremonial danglu used as horse armor, dates to the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 B.C.E.) and is on display until August. Meanwhile, some internet users have drawn comparisons between Labubu and the Mesopotamian demon Pazuzu, sparking baseless conspiracy theories and TikTok warnings from overly devout Christians.
The story matters because it highlights the intersection of contemporary pop culture and ancient art, showing how a modern toy can drive viral interest in archaeological artifacts. Labubu's massive commercial success—Pop Mart reported $419 million in sales for 2024—and its embrace by celebrities like Blackpink's Lisa and Rihanna underscore its crossover appeal. The article also reveals how the art world has embraced Labubu, with a limited-edition figurine selling out at Art Basel in Switzerland, blurring the lines between fine art, collectibles, and mass-market consumer goods.