Louis Vuitton X Yayoi Kusama Limited Edition Yellow/Black Leather Pumpkin Bag

Some handbags are mere accessories, others make bold statements.

Then there are rare pieces like the Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama Yellow and Black Monogram Leather Pumpkin Bag.  A sculptural masterpiece that exists at the intersection of contemporary art and luxury fashion.

In September 2024, a pristine example of this bag sold at Christie’s Handbags Online: The September Edition in New York for $151,200 (including buyer’s premium).

Christie’s described this as a world auction record for a Louis Vuitton handbag, a record that still stands today.

Far surpassing its $10,000-$15,000 pre-sale estimate, this result cemented the bag’s status as a coveted trophy for both art enthusiasts and fashion collectors.

More than a statement piece, the pumpkin bag is a three-dimensional work of art, inspired by Yayoi Kusama’s iconic pumpkin motifs and designed for display and occasional careful use.

Its bold colors, playful shapes, and meticulous craftsmanship make it as much a gallery-worthy sculpture as it is a handbag, a limited-edition object where preservation and provenance define its long-term value.

Key Takeaways

• This isn’t a practical everyday bag, it’s a three-dimensional leather sculpture inspired by Kusama’s iconic pumpkins, meant for display and occasional, careful use.
• Auction prices highlight demand, but long-term value depends on impeccable condition, full completeness (original accessories), and proper storage.
• Approach it as a limited-edition art object: prioritize preservation over heavy wear.

Why This Pumpkin Bag Stands Out

Yayoi Kusama’s pumpkins are more than whimsical shapes, they’re deeply personal motifs. The artist has returned to them throughout her career, associating them with comfort, humor, and childhood memories from her family’s seed nursery.

Their bold, organic forms bring a playful yet profound energy, making this bag feel like a gallery piece first and a handbag second.

Released as part of Louis Vuitton’s expansive 2023 collaboration with Kusama, their second after 2012. This bag emerged in Drop 2 (titled Creating Infinity), launched worldwide on March 31, 2023. 

While the first drop focused heavily on Kusama’s signature polka dots, the second introduced pumpkins, flowers, and other motifs across hundreds of items.

The pumpkin bag quickly became a standout, transforming the brand’s monogram leather into a vibrant, three-dimensional sculpture.

Crafted from monogram-embossed grained cowhide leather in bright yellow with overlaid black LV monograms, the bag measures approximately 18–20 cm wide, 19–21 cm high, and 19–20 cm deep, compact yet strikingly volumetric.

It features silver-tone hardware, a black suede or microfiber interior, and a detachable chain or shoulder strap (varying by example).

Auction lots typically include a dustbag, box, ribbon, style or textile card, and limited-edition collection tag (varying by lot).

The Auction Spotlight: From Benchmark to Record

The bag’s market ascent has been dramatic. In December 2023, Christie’s sold a similar example for $44,100, already quadrupling its low estimate and establishing what Christie’s described at the time as a world auction record for a Louis Vuitton handbag.

Just nine months later, in September 2024, another “as-new” specimen (with protective plastic still on hardware) shattered that mark at $151,200.

Though it didn’t top the sale, a matte white Himalaya Crocodile Hermès Kelly 25 fetched $163,800, the Kusama pumpkin stole headlines, proving its appeal transcends traditional luxury hierarchies. 

These results reflect perfect timing: rarity, pristine condition, and heated bidding from art-world crossovers.

However, records are snapshots, not guarantees, future value hinges on how owners preserve each piece.

Collector Checklist: Evaluating Authenticity and Condition

Completeness elevates value. Original extras (strap, dustbag, box, cards, ribbon) signal careful ownership and authenticity.

Store the strap separately to prevent hardware impressions on the leather, and keep paper items flat in acid-free sleeves.

Condition is critical, especially on curved, sculptural forms. Yellow leather reveals scuffs, color transfer, or fading quickly. Inspect:

• High-contact areas (base curves, where it rests on surfaces)
• Hardware (scratches from strap movement)
• Surface for marks or dulling

The record-setting 2024 example was graded “as new,” while earlier lots showed minor wear. 

Provenance and timed photos (showing upright storage, no compression) add reassurance. Retain protective plastics during storage if possible, ensuring good airflow to avoid residue.

Care and Storage: Preserving Shape and Vibrancy

Handle sparingly and thoughtfully. Clean, dry hands prevent oil transfer; avoid dark fabrics, moisture, or direct sunlight to minimize fading and drying.

For use: Reserve for special occasions, think art openings, not daily errands. This is a conversation-starter sculpture, not a workhorse tote.

Storage tips:

• Lightly stuff with acid-free tissue to maintain the pumpkin’s rounded form without overstretch.
• Store upright in its dustbag, ideally inside the original box.
• Separate the strap to avoid pressure marks.
• Maintain stable, cool, low-humidity conditions, avoid basements or attics.

Cleaning:

Minimal intervention is best. Dust gently with a soft microfiber cloth. Skip alcohol, wipes, or aggressive treatments; professional leather care is safer for stains.

The Louis Vuitton x Yayoi Kusama Yellow and Black Leather Pumpkin Bag embodies the magic of art meeting luxury.

A joyful, humorous object that commands serious collector attention. From $44,100 in late 2023 to a record $151,200 in 2024, its market trajectory speaks volumes.

Yet the real story unfolds in ownership, through meticulous care, complete sets, and respectful handling, ensuring this sculptural gem retains its brilliance for years to come.