The first close up is the right way up. Looks like Japanese Hirigana

I can't make out the first syllable but it may appear to be 

i tsu ka su na

itsuka suna or itsuka nasu

Nasu is a small town in Japan.

I could be off.

Hey if you are the same JY momma, I remember you from years ago. Hope you are well and merry christmas.

BTW, it's a pretty vase.

Thanks copenhagen5.

Yes, it is jym60 from years ago I still lurk around but don't post much....

This board is very quiet nowadays

Merry Christmas to you too ........momma

Kopes, you're a mine of information - I only came here to direct another member to the collectables forums and happened to see the Japanese question, one of my fields...........and nope I don't recognise it.................

Have a great Xmas and New Year...........................

Hiya Padi,

I was born in Japan and we spent years there back n forth.

I have forgotten a lot but can still read the basic forms of Japanese.

I also like learning so usually have my antennae up. 

Happy New Year to you and your woggies. 

Hi Kopes, happy new year to you too mate.

I've got a fair amount of Japanese porcelain mostly sake cups and bottles, a lot of them being Kutani or Kyomisu ( love their stuff !!!!! )

I was in Japan in the mid nineties and was very impressed with the country and its people (and of course the Akitas - hi from Batgirl ... and Joker of course.......... )

Talk again soon on the boards, take care.