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A friend of mine bought that stone a while ago
With the help of a friend, we were about to determine that the words in small seal script means (from left to right) 難 (difficult) and 阜 (plentiful).
Combine together, it seems to go with Nanfu.
What does it mean at the time and is there still a meaning today?
first of all, read from right to left.
the right character, the left component is 𨸏(阜, ⻖) is easy to recognise. the right component is a 口 (mouth) with surrounding stroke, so, it’s also easy to guess that it’s 阿 (u+963f)
then, confirm the guess with 漢語多功能字庫
http://humanum.arts.cuhk.edu.hk/Lexis/lexi-mf/search.php?word=阿
the left character, well, it’s also “easy” to find that it’s 難 (u+96e3)
http://humanum.arts.cuhk.edu.hk/Lexis/lexi-mf/search.php?word=難
put them together, the word is “阿難” ananda, one of the ten principle disciple of buddha.
further, judging from the photo provided, i think the characters are inscribed on a stone plinth, of a statue; that’s why i ask in the comment.
have fun :)
