Provenance: Gifted by the artist to Dr William J. Mahoney, New York, circa 1972. Thence by direct descent to current owner.
Dr William J. Mahoney was emeritus professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, where he was chair of the Art and Education Department and specialised in ceramics. Ladi Kwali toured America and Canada with fellow potters Clement Kofi Athey and Michael Cardew in 1972. The group stayed with the Mahoneys at their home in New Jersey during their week long visit to New York, and Ladi Kwali made the present lot as a thank you gift.