Translate Rosewater 1/2 Sprinkler ?

Discussion in 'Metalware' started by bosko69, Jul 24, 2026 at 11:28 PM.

  1. bosko69

    bosko69 Well-Known Member

    1/2 to 3/4qtrs of a rosewater sprinkler (sans nozzle)-voila, a bud vase !
    Can anyone translate the inscription on the base ?
    As always-thanks very much !
    Rose1.jpg Rose2.jpg Rosewater3.jpg
     
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  2. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    Turkish...Moroccan...perhaps...
     
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  3. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

  4. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

  5. daveydempsey

    daveydempsey Moderator Moderator

  6. Marote

    Marote Well-Known Member

    Looks like:
    مذا عسل
    لتياج محمد
    ناس الغرب

    This can translate to:
    Like [or 'sweet as'] Honey
    By Latiya [or other similar names] Muhammad
    People of the West [Moroccans]

    but there are many other translations possible for each line. And a slightly misread word, will get a completely different translation.

    And according to Google AI:
    '1. مذا عسل (Matha ‘Asal)
    Literal Translation: "What a honey!" or "What [a] nectar!"
    Sprinkler Context: The word matha (مذا) is a classical literal contraction of ma (what) and tha (this). The word ‘asal (عسل) literally means honey. On a sprinkler, it functions as a direct literal exclamation regarding the substance inside: "What honey [this liquid is]!"
    2. لتياج محمد (Li-Tiyaji Muhammad)
    Literal Translation: "For the yearning toward Muhammad.
    "Sprinkler Context: The prefix li- (لـ) literally means "for" or "intending to." The word tiyaj (تياج) is a literal noun meaning "passionate yearning" or "intense longing." Muhammad (محمد) is the proper noun for the Prophet. On the vessel, it indicates the physical purpose of the object: "For [producing] the yearning toward Muhammad."
    3. ناس الغرب (Nas al-Gharb)
    Literal Translation: "People of the West.
    "Sprinkler Context: The word nas (ناس) literally translates to "people." The word al-gharb (الغرب) literally means "the west" or "the setting sun." Placed at the end of the object's inscription, it states the literal source or ownership of the item: "[By/For the] people of the West."

    The Continuous Literal Translation Strung together exactly as written on the object:"What a honey! / For the yearning toward Muhammad. / People of the West."'

    But without the specific translation instructions I gave, to translate this literally in the context of a rosewater sprinkler, Google AI translated the 'For the yearning toward Muhammad' line to 'For the crowning of Muhammad', but also to 'by Lityaj Muhammad'
     
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  7. bosko69

    bosko69 Well-Known Member

    Thanks You so very much Marote- amazing work, your skills are really impressive. I also love the poetry of the inscription- deeply felt stuff.
    Time to re-read some Rumi, and explore Hafez and Al-Mutanabbi.
     
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  8. Marote

    Marote Well-Known Member

    To be clear:
    should have been
    'According to Google, this can translate to'
    Someone who can actually read it might come along, and tell us the text is:
    Sweet scent
    Bottled by Muhammad
    Morocco
     
    komokwa likes this.
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