Is there a word that means "text written on an object"?
So let's say I'm writing a text in English and I want to make the following sentence:
"There was a ... on the door that said: 'KEEP OUT'."
What word should I use in the place of the ellipsis? In my mother tongue there is a one-fits-all word for "text written on an object", but I can't seem to find a one-for-one alternative in English.
Is it inscription? - Feels like it's closer to the text carved in stone in ancient temples. Also doesn't sound like it fits the casual tone, but maybe it's just me.
Is it writing? - Feels a bit off.
Is it caption? - I always thought that it's text written as an addition to a picture like in the comic books for example.
What is the right word to use in this context? Or is there no correct answer and sentences like this need to be phrased differently?