Japanese Ashtray, Need Help with Japanese Signature??

One of my coworkers gave me this ashtray, its so pretty, I can't believe its an ashtray and I was wondering if anyone could help me identify the signature on the bottom.

 

Hi,
Reminds me of a brush washer. I am used to seeing a rest for the cigarettes. How big is it?
greg

 

It is 12" in diameter and sits about 3" tall. There are three small indented areas that I guess could be used to rest a cigarette.

 

Hi,
Thanks for your reply. It is too large for a brush washer. If it has three indents looks like an ashtray.
greg

 

OK, I guess it is an ashtray. Can anyone help me identify the signature on the bottom. My coworker said his father brought it home from Japan after WWII.

 

My husband sent these pictures to coworker who's wife is Japanese and she said that the writing is Chinese. So can anyone help me identify the maker?

 

Any help?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-VINTAGE-CHINESE-PORCELAIN-VASE-BOWL-EXPORT-SIGN-/140794122430

 

Nope
Just kiddin'
I'm pretty sure the Ebay seller is incorrect. This is a Japanese piece. No idea what the mark reads but it looks Japanese script to me.
No matter of the mark, I don't think it was made in China.
By the way, is the decoration hand painted or transfer?

 

One of my husbands coworkers is Japanese and she said the signature is Chinese, but she cannot read it. So it appears that yes, we have a Chinese piece here.