What symbol is this?

[ShiroKuro]

It could be Japanese or Chinese but it's an old font, because in Japanese, now we write 源 which is read as "gen" or "minamoto" and might translate as origin, source etc.

Where it this?

[Steve Miller]

Its cast in to the side of a little rock fountain.

[ShiroKuro]

Nice! That’s an apt kanji for a fountain. Is this in your backyard?

[CHAS]

I know, I know!! Shine on you crazy diamond.

[Axtremus]

If I read it as a Chinese word/character, it translates to "source" or "origin."

[Steve Miller]

What a weird thing to cast in to a fountain. I was hoping it translated to “prosperity “ or “joy”.

But no matter. It’s going in the yard. One of several pieces that will require editing out at some point.

I think it’s cool, and I’ll think of my WTF friends and the fact they translated the symbol every time I look at it.

Where else could a retired electrician hang with such an accomplished and erudite crowd?

[Axtremus]

When used together with the character/word 泉, which means the “spring”, the two characters together 源泉 means the fountainhead. So putting that word/character 源 near a body of water in a garden setting is apt for a fountain. (Well, at least that‘s how it works if I read it as a Chinese word/character.)

[ShiroKuro]

I’ll think of my WTF friends and the fact they translated the symbol every time I look at it.

️️️

Also yes, I agree with Ax, I think it’s very appropriate for a kanji on a fountain.

[Steve Miller]

@Axtremus

So the fountain is marked “fountain?

I guess that works. Kind of like hanging a sign that says “Laundry” next to the washing machine.

[ShiroKuro]

I guess if you put it that way, it is kind of funny!