Any ideas?? Very unusual flower vase!

Hi
I'm hoping someone can throw some light on this 'vase' I recently bought? I do know it came from an old 'estate', however, more than that I haven't got a clue?! It is extremely unusual and hopefully from the photos you can see it has holes around the under side of the rim ... my best guess for flower arranging??! I have tried and tried to read the backstamp, but it is beyond reading, sadly! I am also guessing it is 'asian', as the decoration seems to be of that ilk. I think it's a great piece, but would love to know more about it if anyone out there has any ideas please share :o)