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.