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translation of marks

The photo with the markings must be flipped 90-degrees to the left to read properly. Then the single character 右 on the right side means "right side"; the character 三 at the top is the numeral "three"; and the one at the bottom 九 is "nine".

These are factory markings, possibly meant to assist in the placement of multiple vases in an altar or other display setting.

While your vase seems to be made of a Satsuma-style crackle-glaze stoneware, it is virtually impossible to say where it came from without a maker's mark or studio name on it. Since many late 19th-early 20th century studios that painted vases like this were in Kyoto, you'll often see them called "Kyoto-style" wares.

Best regards,

Bill H.

BILL H / what was message/?

The only clear message here is that your vase goes on the right side of the display. If you want to measure the vase, you might find a dimension such as height that equates to the numbers, but you have to figure out first whether the Japanese of the period were using centimeters, inches or one of their traditional for the measurements.

Good luck,

Bill H.

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