Oriental Vase

So my mum picked up this vase from a car boot sale - but we have no idea of its origin or anything about it!
It's really intricate and quite heavy (we're wondering if it is silver and has tarnished in most places).
There is writing on the lip inside the vase but we have no idea how to read it or where to start looking to find out what it means!

If anyone has any idea or could point us in the right direction that would be great!