Featured Looking to translate a couple Chinese symbols

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by KeyMan60, Feb 20, 2019.

  1. KeyMan60

    KeyMan60 New Member

    I recently purchased the beautiful Chinese snuff box shown in the pictures. It's all metal and the dragons on both sides are striking. I'm wondering if anyone can translate the symbols on the bottom. Thanks in advance.

    Jim

    Metal Snuff 8.jpg Metal Snuff 6b.jpg Metal Snuff 6a.jpg
     
    Last edited: Feb 20, 2019
    kyratango, lpan9, i need help and 2 others like this.
  2. Hollyblue

    Hollyblue Well-Known Member

    The mark is sideways... rotate 90 degrees left and right.
     
  3. KeyMan60

    KeyMan60 New Member

    Thanks, Holly. I've added both options.
     
  4. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Welcome Jim. Very nice snuff bottle, with a beautiful celestial dragon.
    There are several people who might be able to translate it. @Silver Wolf , @JayBee , @lpan9 .
     
  5. Silver Wolf

    Silver Wolf Well-Known Member

    the mark says 足银 or Zu Yin or Silver Foot not Silver wolf obviously:hilarious:.But actually i don't know what "zuyin" real meaning i guess maybe it has meaning like pure silver or something,in one chinese forum,it was said the original mark was dated back to mid to late qing dynasty period or around 17th-19th century,but the original mark is 银足 or Yin Zu not Zu Yin,the Zu Yin one is mostly reproduction of 20th century,i'm not the expert of this thing,but this is the best information i can get for you,good luck!
     
  6. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    It should say Silver Wolf, of course.:smug::D

    As far as I know, Zu Yin is the term for a high fineness of silver, higher than sterling. Best to have it tested though.
     
  7. Silver Wolf

    Silver Wolf Well-Known Member

    yes,but the chinese in the forum said that mostly zu yin silver in the market are reproduction one,testing it will be best idea!
     
  8. lpan9

    lpan9 Active Member

    very nice snuff bottle, looks old.

    Zu Yin is directly translated to 'Pure silver'

    Here 足 Zu used as noun means foot, used as adjective means enough, full, sufficient, or ample.
     
  9. Silver Wolf

    Silver Wolf Well-Known Member

    thanks for the explanation ipan!
     
  10. lpan9

    lpan9 Active Member

    It was upside down:happy:
     
    Christmasjoy likes this.
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