helllo... help with the meaning of kanji on my teapot

[freespiritamy]

Hi, my name is Amy... I am very interested in Japanese culture, healing arts, etc... but I do not know as much about the language as I would like. I bought a used, beautiful little teapot, for my herbal teas, and it has something written on the bottom. I have been to various kanji sites to try and translate this... I figured if I could just get even one word then I could figure out the rest of its meaning. The bottom character I am not sure if it is a complete character or if it is three separate strokes/ separate meanings. I am about to just give up and think that it probably means something like healthy life, or something positive of that nature.

If you don't have time for this I completely understand, and don't even worry about it. I realize this is a one time request and I did read all the rules before posting, so if you don't have time for it, it's perfectly ok.

Here is a picture of the bottom of my small teapot, and thank you for your time regardless.

Amy

[celticflower]

Hello

Sorry I can't identify it for you, but I came across this forum for asian art that might be able to help: http://www.asianart.com/phpforum/index.php

I also tried Japanese hallmarks on google and found:
http://gotheborg.com/marks/index_jap_marks.htm
but didn't come across anything there, but it might be worth a look yourself.

Good luck

Clare

[freespiritamy]

Hello Clare, thank you! I will check out both of those links, maybe I can get this figured out.

Every time I drink my tea it's going to bug me until I know what it means! haha

I appreciate the help so much

Amy

[Shiroisan]

What made you think this was a kanji to begin with?

[AJBryant]

Looks pretty much like "chû" -- loyalty.

忠