> Source: https://www.openingbid.art/artist/ben-osawe · updated 2026-11-02

# Ben Osawe (1931–2007)

## What is Ben Osawe’s work worth? {#value}

As of 2 November 2026, OpeningBid has recorded 21 auction results for Ben Osawe at 5 houses since 2008. Over the last 24 months the median price was $9,906 including buyer’s premium (middle half $4,866–$10,258, n=9). The auction record is $14,640 for Symbol of wealth (2010, Bonhams). Source: OpeningBid, an independent auction-results database.

**Top auction records: paintings, drawings & sculpture**

| # | Work | Medium | Price | House | Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Symbol of wealth, 1931 | Carved wood | $14,640 | Bonhams | Mar 2010 |
| 2 | The Thinker (seated female figure), 1931 | Bronze | $12,767 | Bonhams | Mar 2026 |
| 3 | Head Study, 1931 | — | $11,389 | Bonhams | Oct 2026 |
| 4 | Innocence, 1931 | Bronze | $10,980 | Bonhams | Mar 2010 |
| 5 | Untitled (wooden sculpture), 1971 | Wooden sculpture | $10,776 | Sotheby's | Oct 2023 |
| 6 | Benin Princess, 1931 | Bronze | $10,452 | Bonhams | Mar 2020 |
| 7 | Untitled (wood sculpture), 1931 | Sculpture | $10,258 | Bonhams | Oct 2025 |
| 8 | Bust of a woman, 1999 | Bronze | $9,994 | Roseberys London | Nov 2023 |
| 9 | Jeune femme en robe, 1931 | Bronze | $9,906 | Maison R&C | Oct 2026 |
| 10 | Jeune fille les bras croisés, 1931 | Bronze | $9,906 | Maison R&C | Oct 2026 |


**Median price by medium (last 24 months, n ≥ 5)**

| Medium | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Sculpture | 13 | $9,994 |
| Works on paper | 5 | $2,412 |

**Median price by size (last 24 months, n ≥ 5)**

| Size | Sales | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Medium (50-120 cm) | 15 | $9,906 |

Data as of 2 November 2026 · Source: OpeningBid, 21 results from 5 houses · [How we compute these figures](https://www.openingbid.art/methodology/price-data)


Ben Osawe is a Nigerian artist with 33 auction lots recorded since 2008, median price $9,528.

A work by Ben Osawe sold in 2026 for $11,389, according to OpeningBid's index of auction results.

## What is a Ben Osawe work worth?

Across 21 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Ben Osawe work is $9,528.

The median Ben Osawe sculpture sells for $10,258 across 11 lots.

The median Ben Osawe work on paper sells for $2,412 across 6 lots.

## Price breakdown by category

| Category | Lots tracked | Median price | Record price | Sell-through | Last sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paintings | 1 | — | — | 0% | — |
| Works on Paper | 8 | $2,412 | $4,866 | 75% | 2026-10-23 |
| Sculpture & Installation | 14 | $10,258 | $14,640 | 78.6% | 2026-03-19 |

## Price by size

### Works on Paper

| Size | Sold lots | Typical range (p25–p75) | Median | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| medium (50–120 cm) | 5 | $1,707–$2,680 | $2,412 | $4,866 |

### Sculpture & Installation

| Size | Sold lots | Typical range (p25–p75) | Median | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| medium (50–120 cm) | 7 | $9,572–$10,878 | $10,452 | $12,767 |

Size is the work's longest edge. Cells appear only with at least 5 sold lots.

## Notable results

| Medium | Year | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sculpture & Installation | 2010 | $14,640 |
| Sculpture & Installation | 2026 | $12,767 |
| Works on Paper | 2026 | $4,866 |
| Works on Paper | 2026 | $2,680 |

The highest recorded result in each medium. The full sale history is in the OpeningBid app (free sign-up).

## Frequently asked questions

### What is a Ben Osawe worth?

Across 21 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median price of a Ben Osawe work is $9,528. The median Ben Osawe sculpture sells for $10,258 across 11 lots. The median Ben Osawe work on paper sells for $2,412 across 6 lots.

### What is the average price of a Ben Osawe sculpture?

Based on 11 sold lots tracked by OpeningBid, the median auction price of a Ben Osawe sculpture is $10,258.

### What is Ben Osawe's most expensive sculpture?

The highest price recorded at auction for a Ben Osawe sculpture is $14,640.

### What is Ben Osawe's auction record?

Ben Osawe's auction record is $14,640, set in 2010.

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Data last updated 2026-11-02. OpeningBid tracks 15,390,829 auction lots from 577 auction houses, refreshed nightly.

Cite this page as: OpeningBid, “Ben Osawe auction prices”, https://www.openingbid.art/artist/ben-osawe (updated 2026-11-02).

Historical auction data, not investment advice. Prices are premium-inclusive USD where the buyer's premium is recorded. Figures marked † are hammer prices (buyer's premium not included); ‡ marks a price whose basis is not yet verified. Non-USD results are converted at the sale month's rate.