Tretchikoff's 'Mona Lisa of kitsch' sold — Vladimir Tretchikoff's "Chinese Girl" sold for almost $1.5 million at Bonhams auction house in London on Wednesday. Bethany Clarke/Getty Images Tretchikoff's 'Mona Lisa of kitsch' sold — Tretchikoff (1913-2006) was born in Russia, and lived in China and Singapore before settling in South Africa. Courtesy: Tretchikoff Foundation Tretchikoff's 'Mona Lisa of kitsch' sold — Though unpopular with the art establishment, Tretchikoff's work was hugely popular with the public in the 1950s and 1960s. Courtesy: Tretchikoff Foundation Tretchikoff's 'Mona Lisa of kitsch' sold — "Chinese Girl," his best-known work, is reputed to be one of the most reproduced paintings in the world. Bryony Jones/CNN Tretchikoff's 'Mona Lisa of kitsch' sold — The image features on everything from postcards to pillows, and cabaret singer Tricity Vogue even bases her stage persona on the 'blue lady'. ANDREW COWIE/AFP/Getty Images Tretchikoff's 'Mona Lisa of kitsch' sold — Several of Tretchikoff's lesser-known works, including "Lady with Crayfish" (1951) will also go under the hammer at the sale. Bryony Jones/CNN Prev Next
