Kwan-yin statue - what the inscription say?

[Noliena]

Hello everyone,

I want to ask you for help in translation of inscription at Guan Yin sculpture, it's quite important for me. I bought it impulsively, I just felt I need to have it.

Now I'm curious what was inscribed on the statuette.

I will be very thankful if you will help me with translation.

[889]

It's the Guan Yin Mantra, 南無觀世音菩薩.

[Noliena]

Thank you very much, 889.

 

I have another item I wish to know what the inscriptions on it means - altar of Fu Lu Shou. The inscription are not good visible but maybe someone would be able to read and translate them.

 

Thank in advance.

[John18SP]

Hi Noliena, regarding the altar of Fu Lu Shou. Those are Chinese ancient writings which are quite different to the Chinese characters nowadays. Anyway, the inscriptions are listed below by order from left to right:

 

Left 1st: 福如東海

Left 2nd:長流水

Left 3rd: 不老松

Left 4th: 壽比南山

 

It should be read as "福如東海 長流水, 壽比南山 不老松".

 

福如東海 means Good fortune as much as the Eastern sea, 

壽比南山 means Live as long as the Southern mountain,

 

There are so much references when being asked where is the Eastern sea and the Southern mountain, but generally people say the Eastern sea refers to "Bohai Sea" and the Southern mountain refers to "Zhongnan Mountains".

 

長流水 means infinite river flow,

不老松 is a kind of wood, also known as "龍血樹" (Dracaena in English).  This kind of plant is recognized as long-living.

 

Overall speaking, the inscription is to bless people good fortune and long life.

[Noliena]

Thanks a lot John18SP, you are awesome. I'm very grateful for your translation and precise explanation.