Japanese or Chinese writing help needed

[2Minnesota]

This set was in a box lot at an auction today. I did not buy the box for this set but only paid $2.50 for the whole box and got a cool little wind chime for myself [emoji6]. Anyway, does anyone know what the writing says on the bottom and sides of these cups/tea pot? Thanks!! And the set was not washed before the pics so it's real dusty. The second pic is the bottom.

 

[prospexican]

contact Heritage Auctions | World's Largest Collectibles Auctioneer they will be your best shot, they do have experts.

 

[Butter Hat]

Very cool, 2M! I have a tough time reading when it's brushstroked like that, but I may see the character for 'heart' on the top right pic (the others I can't read without a book, lol.) The close-up on the bottom left is probably a chop mark.

Prospexian has the better advice.

 

[2Minnesota]

Thank you for your help! Can you tell if it's Japanese? Or Chinese?

 

[Butter Hat]

Not from the writing itself. I'm not good enough for that, and Chinese and Japanese use nearly identical character sets. There are people who can tell at a glance from the style of the set whether it's Chinese or Japanese.

This does make me want to dig out my book, which contains some Chinese character info, too.

Top right means 'nine...'
Bottom right could mean 'order, rule.'
Bottom left, heart.
Top left...workin' on it.

That's if it's Japanese.

 

[jason4kstate]

The second picture has the Kutani mark on the right. More than likely the writing on the left is the maker. It's a newer mark..probably from the 40-1960's from my guess. The older marks are little more elaborate. Nice set.

 

[2Minnesota]

Thank you for all your time and knowledge butter hat. I found a similar set on eBay with similar markings but didn't sell and they weren't asking for to much $$. I'll have to decide if I'll eBay it or put in our GS next spring.

Thanks Jason! Those dates makes sense and that gives me more to research before I list. I didn't see your post until after I posted this reply. (Hence the edit).

 

[Coldshuz]

My bet would be a Japanese Green Tea set.

Japanese have 3 different characters sets. They share a comparable one (Konji) with the Chinese.

 

[Butter Hat]

The 'chop mark' is sei, or shou, according to one kind of reading...meaning correct, proper. But it could also be a maker's name.

It's also translated in the other kind of reading as masa, and tadashii. Again, name/maker's mark?

 

[2Minnesota]

Thanks! I've been super occupied with family stuff so haven't listed these yet--(that's what I like about eBay, I don't have to do it if life gets busy.). This info will be helpful. I will list as Japanese. I appreciate the shared knowledge!

 

[Butter Hat]

It's a beautiful little set, and I could easily see someone wanting it just as you laid it out, for purely decorative purposes.