pls help identify bronze? bowl -

[l294zelda]

This bowl is 8" round, 3" high - very heavy, not sure if its bronze or ??  has oriental markings on sides and inside bowl
just has "china" stamped on bottom of bowl. This is from my mom so that makes it at least from 1930's 1940's.
Have tried to research on internet, but havent seen anything close.
thanks, Linda

[chinese antiques]

See these all the time in temples here. Used for lots of things but most commonly as oil lamps (wick floats in the oil). Made for export or domestic. I could be wrong but that's my guess.



http://www.antique-chinese-furniture.com/oscommerce/www/images/Products/A00020/med/A0002017.jpg