Brooklyn-based contemporary artist KAWS (Brian Donnelly) has been known for making his art affordable. Over the years, he’s released collections with Uniqlo that included items under $20, puzzles for under $40, and a majority of his Open Edition figures carry a retail price of less than $300. Seemingly inspired by Keith Haring’s Pop Shop in 1986, KAWS has followed suit, making his art accessible to not only the super wealthy, but the common collector and enthusiast as well.
While most of his products are affordable, some of his highly sought after, more limited items have made headlines for selling at staggering prices. Many of his figures from the early 2000s and 2010s now sell for astronomical prices relative to their original retail price, further cementing the importance of his early work. Check out the list below for the most expensive KAWS figures in StockX history, ranked by average sale price. Some of them might surprise you.
Please note the average sale price is accurate as of March 24th, 2020.
Average Sale Price: $5,583
5. KAWS Star Wars Boba Fett Vinyl Figure
Coming in at number five is a piece from 2013, the KAWS Star Wars Boba Fett Figure. With an average sale price of over $5,000 USD this figure is one of the ultimate KAWS grails, which was released during the last year of his beloved Original Fake clothing brand. This beauty stands at 10 inches tall and includes extreme detailing, including replicated “damage” throughout it’s custom Mandalorian armor.
Average Sale Price: $6,013
4. KAWS Astro Boy Vinyl Figure Red
Released in 2012, KAWS paid homage to the classic Japanese manga series through a set of Astro Boy figures. The figures released in red and grey colorways, with the red figure garnering an average sell price of $6,013 on StockX making it one of most expensive KAWS figures in our history. The 14 inch figures include a perfect combination of Astro Boy and Companion features, making them beautifully simplistic. Don’t be surprised to see this expensive KAWS figure on the shelf of your favorite celebrity collector.
Average Sale Price: $6,399
3. KAWS Star Wars Storm Trooper Companion Vinyl Figure
Long before the KAWS Boba Fett Figure released in 2013, KAWS brought us a Stormtrooper all the way back in 2008. In the 10+ years since it was released, this figure has withstood the test of time with both KAWS and the Star Wars franchise growing in relevance and popularity exponentially. Owning this figure is like having a piece of legendary movie memorabilia along with a sculpture from one of the hottest contemporary artists in the world. While it might be one of the most expensive KAWS figures, what’s not to love?
Average Sale Price: $7,895
2. KAWS Pinocchio & Jiminy Cricket Vinyl Figure
Back in 2010, KAWS linked up with Disney for a set of two figures: Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket. The 10 inch vinyl Pinocchio features square legs and arms, replicating his original wooden nature. He also comes with a 2 inch Jiminy Cricket figure, which fits perfectly in Pinocchio’s hand when it’s extended out. KAWS has been known for utilizing the “long nose” in his more recent work (i.e. Small Lie), and this Pinocchio has become a quintessential piece in the KAWS canon.
Average Sale Price: $26,481
1. KAWS Star Wars Darth Vader Companion with Cape Vinyl Figure
The ultimate movie villain meets the ultimate artist in the KAWS Darth Vader Figure, the most expensive KAWS figure in StockX history. Released way back in 2007 when KAWS was just starting to garner mainstream attention, this Star Wars collaboration will require deep pockets to acquire, with an average sale price of $26,481 on StockX. If you’re not looking to make such a big purchase, don’t worry, you can check out our beautiful 360-degree image and bask in the full glory of this iconic piece of art.
Hungry for more KAWS? Shop all the latest and greatest here, and check out top picks from the Collectibles Team below.
