A contemporary homage to the masterpieces of the Edo guilds.
The Benin Kingdom Watercolours
Born from years of immersive study at the British Museum, this series is a translation of presence. Working at a 1:1 scale, I sought to transform the opaque weight of 15th–19th century Edo brass plaques and commemorative heads into the transparent, accumulated light of watercolour.
Each work is an act of devotion, requiring weeks of delicate washes to build the density of metal and the patina of time.
Glory Days
Watercolor, 56 × 69 cm, 2004
Framed: 66 × 79 cm
Acquisition at €2,000. A 10% incentive applies for multiple purchases or full series acquisition.
The King, flanked by warriors and musicians, the eben sword of ritual honor in one hand and the spear of defense in the other. Monumental history in watercolors.
When Kings were Kings
Watercolor on paper 56x69 cm, 2004
/ 66x79 cm framed
Acquisition at €2,200. Enquire about series pricing.
The central figure likely the Oba himself is steadied by attendant chiefs, a visual image of sovereignty as shared, physical labor.
A 10% incentive applies for multiple purchases or full series acquisition.
Bird in a Hand
Watercolor on paper, 56x69 cm, 2004
/framed 66x79 cm
Acquisition at €1,800. Available individually or as part of the series.
A warrior grips the Ahianmwen-oro, the bird of prophecy, whose cry once foretold disaster. By silencing it, the kingdom asserts command not only over enemies but over fate itself.
A 10% incentive applies for multiple purchases or full series acquisition.
Keeper of Spirits
Watercolor on paper, 56× 69 cm, 2004
/framed 66x79 cm
Acquisition at €1,050. Available individually or as part of the series.
The oracle announces the Ahianmwen-oro, the bird whose appearance on the eve of battle once read as certain defeat.
Rather than retreat, the Oba met the omen and claimed victory, turning the bird from a warning into an emblem of the kingdom's endurance.
A 10% incentive applies for multiple purchases or full series acquisition.
Portuguese
Watercolor on paper, 45 × 60 cm, 2004
/framed 55x70cm
Acquisition €1,100. Available individually or as part of the series
The figure is a sixteenth-century Portuguese official, his long hair and European dress rendered with the same formal gravity as any Edo dignitary.
A 10% incentive applies for multiple purchases or full series acquisition.
Like Father, like Son
Watercolor on paper, 45 × 60 cm, 2004
/framed 55x70
Acquisition at €1,050. Available individually or as part of the series.
Two figures, a king and his successor, stand in formal relation.
The difference in stature and regalia reads the passage of power at a glance: one carries the full weight of the crown, the other is still emerging into it.
A 10% incentive applies for multiple purchases or full series acquisition.
Queen Mother
Watercolor on paper, 40 × 50 cm, 2004
/framed 50x60
Acquisition at €1,500. Available individually or as part of the series.
The Iyoba, the Queen Mother and most powerful woman in the kingdom, wears a headdress of intricately woven coral.
A 10% incentive applies for multiple purchases or full series acquisition.
Original art available for Acquisition
These are original paintings remaining from the Benin Kingdom series.
Select an individual painting to view its price and acquisition options.
Each work is an original watercolor, hand-signed and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
Upon completion of payment, your painting will be carefully rolled in an archival tube and shipped worldwide, fully insured.
A 10% collector's incentive applies to acquisitions of two or more works from the series.
To inquire or acquire, please use the contact form, Instagram or Whatsapp at the bottom right.
Benin Kingdom Watercolors: A Contemporary Homage
Born from years of immersive study at the British Museum, this series is a translation of presence. Working at a 1:1 scale, I sought to transform the opaque weight of 15th–19th century Edo brass plaques and commemorative heads into the transparent, accumulated light of watercolor.
Each work is an act of devotion, requiring weeks of delicate washes to build the density of metal and the patina of time. By documenting every casting flaw and deliberate trace of the lost-wax process, these paintings serve as a living archive—honoring the mastery of the Edo guilds and bridging the gap between ancient bronze and contemporary luminosity.
Private Commissions & Art Patronage
I welcome inquiries for bespoke commissions and warmly invite patronage for my forthcoming artistic explorations. Whether you are drawn to a single, personal work or wish to underwrite future research and projects, your partnership allows me to continue weaving the quiet wealth of ancient archives into the language of contemporary art.
Let's Start a Conversation
Whether you wish to acquire an original, explore a private commission, or simply share what moved you about the Benin Kingdom series — I would love to hear from you.
Every message is read and answered personally, typically within 24 hours.
Available for Acquisition
The Benin Kingdom Series
Years of sustained study at the British Museum gave rise to this series — a translation of presence rather than of image.
Working at 1:1 scale, I transformed the opaque, weighted surface of 15th–19th century Edo brass plaques and commemorative heads into the transparent, accumulating light of watercolour.
Each piece is built over weeks of delicate washes, layering the density of metal and the patina of time.
Every casting flaw, every deliberate trace of the lost-wax process, is recorded — so that these paintings function as a living archive: honouring the mastery of the Edo guilds while drawing a line between ancient bronze and contemporary luminosity.
