What does this pictogram mean?

May 28, 2012 3:26 AM

Does anyone know what this Chinese pictogram says?

I'm assuming it's something like 'house' but I want to check before I put it in a presentation in case I offend anyone!

posted by KateViolet to Writing & Language (5 answers total)

Best answer: As far as I know that isn't a Chinese character used today, and my wife agrees. She thinks it is something from a more primitive type of writing, and has no idea what it means. Of course we aren't experts in the field, but I would guess that you are fine, and no matter the meaning, no one will understand it. Unless, of course you are presenting at a Chinese archaeological conference or something...
posted by Literaryhero at 3:35 AM on May 28, 2012

Best answer: Seconding Literaryhero. Whatever it is it's pretty ancient Chinese. See here.
posted by 23 at 5:27 AM on May 28, 2012

Response by poster: Thanks! It is a pretty old bit of embroidery so that sounds logical.
posted by KateViolet at 5:50 AM on May 28, 2012

I'm pretty sure it's a highly stylised version of the modern character '寿' ('longevity'), a very common occurrence in Chinese decorative art.
posted by fix at 8:32 AM on May 28, 2012 [1 favorite]

I agree with fix, almost certainly a stylised '寿'. The pattern and close variations are very common.
posted by Abiezer at 10:22 AM on May 28, 2012