Oriental vase

by Carol
(Maryland, USA)

This vase is 9 1/2" widest dimension, 11" tall, ~3" top opening, ~5 1/2" base.

Picture is man walking across bridge carrying flowers over his shoulder, man standing with fishing pole, man with fishing pole riding water buffalo. These three are under a tree that is growing sideways from a rock. In the sky is a round circle with a man wearing hat, leaning elbows on table with caligraphy (?) under elbows, small dish, 2 volumes of books, curtain overhead.

Overall it is speckled with either dirt that may come off, some specks that do not have glaze on top of them, and some specks that seem to be underneath the glaze.

The calligraphy on the back feels rough, as if it is on top of the glaze.

Around the base there is about 1/4" unglazed. Top opening seems to have been for lid since it has recessed ridge that would hold lid.

Any idea what this says? What the pictured story is? Age? Value?

Thank you.

Oriental vase (continued)

by Carol
(Maryland, USA)

I have attached photo of left column of calligraphy. There are 4 characters -- a signature?

Thanks!
Carol