What is this bowl intended for?

[Elena Russ]

Hi! I have an interesting item: the bowl on the paw feet with two handles. The three marks there are on the bowl: lion’s head, EC and ???. Maybe, somebody knows, what is this bowl intended for? And help me please to read the marks. Thank you.

[juantotree]

Hi,

I believe this is known as an ember bowl. It was used before the invention of matches, you would place hot embers from the fire into the bowl and use them to light your cigar or pipe.

Martin

[Elena Russ]

Hi, Martin!

Thank you very much for your answer! I've never seen anything like it.
There is a very expressive mark shaped like a lion’s head on this item... Maybe, it is English ember bowl?

[oel]

Hi Elena,

Could be Chinese Export Silver, see: http://www.925-1000.com/chinex_marks.html

Peter

[Elena Russ]

Hello, Peter!

Thank you for your help. Indeed, the marks on my bowl are very strange to identify as English. Apparently, it is really China, because clearly an oriental monogram there is on the vase.

Yours faithfully, Elena.

[dognose]

Hi Elena,

Can you post an image of the engraving?

Trev.

[Elena Russ]

Hello, Trev!

Engraving (oriental house with a tree and sea waves) is visible in the photo with marks in my first post. There is this icon right below the lion's head. Please, zoom the picture by click.

Elena.

[dognose]

Hi Elena,

Sorry, I thought you were referring to another engraved part.

Trev.

[oel]

Hi, I enhanced and cropped the image, colonial British is another possibility.

Best,

Peter

[Elena Russ]

No problem, Trev! There aren’t other additional marks on the vase.

Elena.