Wanli Shipwreck porcelain - enigmatic mark

by J. Lim
(Sydney NSW)

Dear Peter
I recently ordered a very nice landscape bowl from Sten Sjostrand's fine website. Naturally I am unconcerned about authenticity. However, there is a mark on the base that has defied all my attempts to identify it.

As you can see, the mark is written in abominable handwriting (and my photo is sort of blurred). But as best I can make out, the mark says "Yue Hua Si Ri", ie "Moon Fade Eyes Sun".

My father suggests that this is a poem which may be translated thus: "The moon fades so I seek the sun". I was a little indulgent and suggested this was a political statement (the character for Ming is a sun and moon, and there was political chaos in China in 1625). It also matches the pre-dawn scene on the bowl.

But a poem seems very unlikely. Is this an Imperial mark (maybe Chenghua, but it doesnt look like it to me) or a shop mark of some sort? I am confused! Thanks for your help!!!

Regards
J. Lim