Antique Chinese Bowl - Need info on this item!

This is a Vintage Chinese Bowl of some kind. I got this at a yard sale, and love the item. I have looked and looked for info on it, but have found slim to nothing. It looks to be hand carved, all the ornate pictures and designs. It has 3 chinese symbols around the lip of the bowl but I can not get a good pic of them. I will keep trying. It is very heavy and in GREAT shape. I would love some info on it. I think I found something special here. No matter what, it is a cool piece. I have not seen anthing quite like it. It kinda looks like a collection bowl from a church or something. Not sure. Would love to hear your comments.

Thanks for looking.