Provenance

Payne Bros Art Dealers, Durban, 5 July 1969.

Mr and Mrs Harding, Kimberley and thence by descent to the current owner.

Notes

The present lot was acquired on the 5th July 1969 by Mark and Elizabeth Harding from Payne Bros, a well-known art dealer in Durban. Following the purchase, Mark and Elizabeth developed a personal friendship with Vladimir Tretchikoff, frequently visiting him and engaging with his art.

That same year, they acquired a large Tretchikoff De Luxe edition book, which the artist signed to them personally. This marked the beginning of Mr Harding’s deep appreciation for Tretchikoff's work. In 1973, he met with Tretchikoff at his home in Bishopscourt, where he personally selected the pieces Zulu Maiden (1973) and Balinese Dancer (1973) from the artist’s studio. These works were subsequently sold in 2022.

The Hardings maintained a close relationship with Tretchikoff over the years, with the artist often inviting them for tea during their annual holidays in Cape Town.

Mr Harding had a keen interest in Oriental antiques and ceramics, owning a Chinese vase similar to the one depicted in the artwork. Although there is no documented history of this particular painting, similar to the previous two, it is believed that Mr Harding preferred exclusive works, which may explain why this piece was not reproduced as a print.