Chunky Drip Mug/Cup: Older? Unusual mark.

This intrigued me and my gut feeling said perhaps very old. Very strange (to me) mark on the bottom, included several orientations so sorry this is so picture heavy. 4.5" tall, mouth is about 3.5" across. Crazed. Holds about 2.5 cups of water.

This spoon was with it though I think they are not related, what say you? Would like any info someone may have on the spoon also--wonder what the Japanese characters say. It is about 5.5" long.

 

The spoon is more likely to Chinese than Japanese, I think.

 

Wow, I didn't realize how big that cup is first time I looked at it this morning. Two and a half cups is 20 oz.

I would have been attracted to that too. It's worth it just for that mark!

I am assuming that is a blob of fired on glaze from when it was originally made. It's not something someone might have added after manufacture, some kind of gluey substance that dried hard?

I am watching this thread.

 

That glaze was done by British, Belgian and as I’ve just discovered, New Zealand makers. The NZ one is Milton’s. Damn odd mark.

Spoon is genetically unrelated.Chinese rice spoon.