Translation?

[Stuart]

I’m trying to find out what this says:


I’ve tried a couple of translation apps but no joy. Having said that I don’t know if it’s even the right way up! (I have rotated to allow for forum software). It could just be the Chinese equivalent of woolworths but knowing their buying habits I suspect not.

It’s the lid from an early 1960’s mahjong set purchased in Hong Kong by my in laws who were based there. The box is in pretty poor state but I’ve promised to have a go at some form of restoration even if I have to remake the box and use the lid as an insert.

Any help or pointers much appreciated.

Also got to look at cleaning what I suspect are ivory and bamboo pieces if anyone has any hints or tips.

 

[Gill]

"No Bright Light.
Don’t Allow To Get Wet.
No Food After Midnight."

Be grateful the box is already empty.

 

[novocaine]

P.T.O

 

[Malc2098]

I will check with my Taiwanese SDiL. Later.

 

[Malc2098]

The calligraphy is unusual, and several of the characters look quite unlike the standard forms.

It’s a line from a Tang Dynasty poem, by Du Mu.

Du Mu was born in 803 and died in 852, he’s one of the most renowned poets of the late Tang.

So it’s around 1,200 years old.

297 DU Mu – The Golden Valley Mansion

中文原文﹕

繁華事散逐香塵，
流水無情草自春。
日暮東風怨啼鳥，
落花猶似墜樓人。

英文翻譯

English Translation﹕

A spectacular tale it was that has spread to chase incense and ashes,
Waters must run in the course of nature just as flowers and plants flourish in spring.
At sunset, birds' warbles tremble in easterlies and forlorn appear,
Petals fall like the tale of a lady who took a leap, and away they drift.




The character on the box lid are the second line, 'Waters must run' etc.


Children in Taiwan still learn Tang era poetry, which is like our kids learning Beowulf in primary school.


https://28utscprojects.wordpress.com/2010/11/23/297/

 

[Stuart]

The calligraphy is unusual, and several of the characters look quite unlike the standard forms.

It’s a line from a Tang Dynasty poem, by Du Mu.

Du Mu was born in 803 and died in 852, he’s one of the most renowned poets of the late Tang.

So it’s around 1,200 years old.

297 DU Mu – The Golden Valley Mansion

中文原文﹕

繁華事散逐香塵，
流水無情草自春。
日暮東風怨啼鳥，
落花猶似墜樓人。

英文翻譯

English Translation﹕

A spectacular tale it was that has spread to chase incense and ashes,
Waters must run in the course of nature just as flowers and plants flourish in spring.
At sunset, birds' warbles tremble in easterlies and forlorn appear,
Petals fall like the tale of a lady who took a leap, and away they drift.




The character on the box lid are the second line, 'Waters must run' etc.


Children in Taiwan still learn Tang era poetry, which is like our kids learning Beowulf in primary school.


https://28utscprojects.wordpress.com/2010/11/23/297/

Fantastic Malcolm, thank you very much indeed. Makes it worth doing something a bit special with as the MiL is no longer with us and FiL hasn’t long left.

 

[Malc2098]

Fantastic Malcolm, thank you very much indeed. Makes it worth doing something a bit special with as the MiL is no longer with us and FiL hasn’t long left.

Go for it!