Expert: Sir William - 10/1/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I've photographed the inscriptions on an item I have, and
was wondering if you could translate them?

I've uploaded the images, link below:

http://img836.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=dsc04477u.jpg

ANSWER: Hi,

I am sorry for the belated reply.

My associates and I have not been able to read all the inscriptions on the images.  Without knowing the full context, partial translation would be meaningless.

We'll revert if there is any progress.

Sir William


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi,

Let me know if you need anything else and I'll send it
through. If it helps I believe the wood to be zitan.

All the best.

Answer
Hello, Eoghan,

Thank you for your note.

It's not so much what the material of the article is made of.  It's the writing that matters.

I have tried to search for the phrases in my data-base (as well as the Internet), but I cannot find anything relevant.

Anyway, in broad terms, the inscriptions in the link Chinese-2782/2010/09/side-item.jpg carry the meaning "Modesty brings solutions".

Have a nice weekend,

Sir William