the art of ORR MARSHALL

Signature and seal of the artist, Orr Marshall, written in Chinese form Ma Hsia (rather than Japanese), based on the names of two painters of the Sung Dynasty, Ma Yuan and Hsia Kuei, active 1190-1225. Hori Nashi (彫梨) – “engraving by Nashi,” imitating the abbreviated name of the woodblock engraver. But with a different character and the same pronunciation, it could mean “There is no engraving,” as the picture concerned is not a print but a painting. Konomi ni makase (好みに任せ) – “following his liking.” Gokuin (極印) – “seal of quality” often shown on ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock prints of the 19^th century and before).