it is from a family member who went to MIT and appears to have a mark on it...on the side here.

I hope all my images show up, I am no techno wizard...but, really could use the help. Something about this piece tells me it is valuable and is an original craftsman piece of pottery.

The initials are not clear...under magnification... it could be 'RV 22' or RIF 22 or if it is block lettering could be RICY, RIAY