OK! Well, the verdict finally came back from the experts at the Smithsonian. It is a Chinese censur (as Francantolin had surmised), an incense burner probably for a temple or private home. The patterning threw her. She was guessing late Ching Dynasty, but said she thought it was darkened from incense, which I question. She did say some of the designs were also used during the Ming period, so no exact date. Still, an interesting item!
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