Please help translate this sign.

[Drago]

Hi,

 

I've been raking my brain, but I just can't figure it out. Could you help me please?

 

I now I've seen these kanji before, but I just can't find them in my book! Well, me middle one is easy... :D

 

[Gunome]

hello

 

last one is toshi 壽

first one, I don't know

[John A Stuart]

南山壽 maybe meaning 南山の壽 nanzan no ju, longevity. Doesn't form a name I recognise, does it? John

[cabowen]

南山寺

 

 

Nanzanji perhaps...

 

Name of a temple I would think....

[Nobody]

南山壽 maybe meaning 南山の壽 nanzan no ju, longevity. Doesn't form a name I recognise, does it? John

I agree with John.

[cabowen]

The last kanji, after taking a better look, is indeed kotobuki, 寿....

[Drago]

Hmm...

 

The seller advertises it as a Meiji era shop sign. But this makes no sense.

 

Nanzanji - at least makes a bit of sense because there is a Nanshan Shrine (China)...

 

But still. Very odd.

[Bugyotsuji]

According to various searches, Nanzan (no) Ju is a classical Chinese hope for a long future for the country of Nanzan, and by inference prayers for long life of a person or business. Could have been hung on a wall inside a shop or business premises?

 

http://dictionary.goo.ne.jp/leaf/jn2/165734/m0u/

《「詩経」小雅・天保から》終南山が崩れないように生命や事業がいつまでも続くこと。人の長寿を祝う言葉。