translation of chinese characters

[rayven1lk]

hey everyone, I recently bought this chinese antique and I found some letters on it, I would like to know what these letters mean and if its possible how old this antique could be and any history behind it if possible.

Thanks for the help

[D&b antiques]

it does not appear to be chinese or japanese.but more likely the work of our friends in britain. prior to 1930's

[rayven1lk]

Can you please tell me what you think the value of this piece is.
Also, the antique dealer told me that if these chinese characters are on the bottom, it means it has been done for a special order and not for normal production.

Could you please clarify this?

Thanks

[D&b antiques]

from 1700 to about the 1870's. the chinese influence was very strong. a time called. ( chinoiserie) this vase dates to about 1870. $250.00 to $300.00 dollars

[rayven1lk]

we purchased bowl at a sale 20 years ago. its made out of clay & is porcelain coated. The people at the sale said it is from Europe (Dutch).
Have you come across that kind of a signature and to whom does it belong. In your opinion do you think it is old?

thank you

[D&b antiques]

sorry it took me 10 times to get site to open, I was about to give up. redware has been around since the 1600's. it also looks hungarian.and yes it's old.

[rayven1lk]

What would the value of this piece be?

[chinese antiques]

The first character on the side means "shi" (shi fu) which is one of the characters in the word master or teacher. The second character we don't recognize. Both are written in complicated old style characters (not the modern simplified ones). The bottom characters are in fact not characters at all but Buddhist symbols.

What material is this? Brass? Hard to see from the photos. Can you post some larger close up photo of the side or the bottom?  Also, where did you purchase this?