Antique urn with writing on it - Any FReepers with expertise in deciphering (Oriental?) writing?

HairOfTheDog

[HairOfTheDog]

My mother bought this big clay pot years ago at an antique store somewhere. She said it was an urn. The top, which was once sealed, has been cut open, and she put decorative grass in it.

I was dusting it off today, and became interested in finding out what the writing on it says. I don't know its origin or what it might say. I have often thought perhaps it is the name or information about it's original occupant. I don't know its age or country of origin, I only guess that it appears to be Asian lettering.

Anyone have any idea what it says?

[SunkenCiv]

And of course, the band (from Canada I think) Klaatu, circa 1975.

[SunkenCiv]

Any ideas?

[Hank Rearden]

Ok, we've probably yanked you around enough.

I ran it by two of my employees just now, both native Japanese-born. They said it's not perfectly clear and can't put it into context (might be cremation urn, might be for burying a money hoard, but not sure), but reading left to right, they came up with (roughly):

"rare/precious, vase, million"

They're sure the last characters mean "million". This I know because I had a hell of a time trying to understand their English pronunciation of "million" (you can imagine) over and over.

So, did you dump out all the gold coins to put the dried grass in there?

[Squantos]

Man you've struck kimshi.........hawkeye to frank burns !

[HairOfTheDog]

Really, so they are saying it's somewhat readable Japanese?

Dang... someone already took the money out!

If' you were going to bury money, would you write "rare/precious, vase, million" on it? I think I'd write "dog poop" on it :~D LOL

[MontanaBeth]

I think I'd write "dog poop" on it :~D LOL

LOL!!!

[HairOfTheDog]

Well, folk would be less likely to break into it, wouldn't they? :~D

[Larry Lucido]

"rare/precious, vase, million"

Interesting. Almost sounds like an early E-Bay ad.

[MontanaBeth]

I agree, "dog poop" would keep me from opening it!

[Larry Lucido]

Okay, enough seriousness. I can't believe no one has posted this yet. I recognize at least a couple similar characters.

[Hank Rearden]

If' you were going to bury money, would you write "rare/precious, vase, million" on it? I think I'd write "dog poop" on it :~D LOL

That's what I thought, too. Maybe the first phrase is on the other side: "Please fill with . . . "

[HairOfTheDog]

Yes, I think that's what it says.... translation? :~D

[HairOfTheDog]

I appreciate your help with this thing, it's been a curiosity for awhile, and it appears it might remain so!

[endthematrix]

Evil Dead? LOL!

[Hank Rearden]

You're welcome. My motto is: If I don't know the answer to something, well then I'll go out and make something up.

[Hank Rearden]

Yes, I think that's what it says.... translation?

[Larry Lucido]

I'm disrespectful to dirt!
Can you see I am serious!
Get out of my way, all of you!
This is no place for loafers.
Join me or die.
Can you do any less?
For lucky best wash, use Mr. Sparkle.

[Khurkris]

It translates as: "A hundred million treasure from Jiu Giang"

Jiu - pronounced like 'joe.' Giang - 'ji-ang' is a city in mainland China.

Basically its says that its a nice vase that contains, depending on what you put in it, nice things.

A nice keepsake.

[TigerLikesRooster]

It appears that the three characters read zhen-jiang-yi, which can be translated into "precious herbs are plenty." Zhen can mean "treasure" as a noun, "valuable" as an adjective. Jiang is a kind of fragrant grass or herb. Yi can mean "bountiful", "plenty", or "satisfactory" as an adjective, "100 million" as a noun.

Hope this helps.

[N. Theknow]

If found, please return to Bill Clinton, Chappaqua, NY