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Hi folks!! Thanks for the great help on this forum, I always learn when visiting this site!! I'm attaching photos of a Japanese vase (dated 2002) and the marks on the base. Although I can't read Japanese, as best as I can tell by comparing these Kanji characters to others, I believe it says Kutani - Arita on the right and something like "artfully made pottery" or something to that effect. Could somebody please confirm or let me know a more precise reading of these marks? I'd appreciate any help on this.

Markings read,
水車　-　Water mill
羊と混虫*　-　Sheep and insect
* 混虫　is written mistaken, the correct　form is　昆虫

With regards,
I.Nagy

Thanks very much!!

Alex, did you ever find out who made the vase?

Based on I. Nagy's answer above, my understanding is that this is not signed by any particular maker or studio. The markings seem to be in line with typical Far Eastern proverbs or wishes found on items of this sort and are rather symbolic that reflect folkloric themes instead of an actual artisan or locale.

I'm curious, how big is it? Did you keep it, sell it?

It belongs to a friend and I'm not sure what she'll do with it. It's about 15 inches tall...

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