When is a vase, not a vase?

Found this sweet, vintage made in Japan vase today and noticed when I got home that it's not hollow!! There is a porcelain "shelf" about 1" from the lip that is part of the vase. I am totally confused. What could this be?

Also I haven't been able to find out anything about the maker and numbers.

Any ideas? Thanks!!!

 

Drat...I thought I selected "full size image" for these and can't figure out how to change that above. So I'm doing them again!

 

Possibly a Saki (rice wine) bottle. The ovoid shape would seem more akin to a flask than a vase.

 

hey Walter....good to see ya !!!!

that does look like Mt.Fuji......
that shelf may just slow the pour......

 

Hmm... thanks for the idea Walter. The shelf does have two small holes at either end, so liquid could get underneath it.

 

and keep the sake warm without a top...eh...huh....

 

There's a utility model registration number there. You might search it at the Japanese Patent Office when the site is available again.

https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/web/all/top/BTmTopEnglishPage

 

Cool...thanks for that info.