Chinese Japanese Porcelain Jar

This thin porcelain jar stands 6 1/2" tall. Measures 3 7/8" across the opening and the foot measures 3 1/2" across. What is it used for and how old is it?

 

It is Japanese, but that is all I know.

 

Thanks Any!

 

it looks like egrets,egrets usually use in japanese pattern porcelain ware,so i think aj is right it's japanese.it doesn't looks like old,do you have image of its' base?

 

Silver the base picture is posted last.

 

oops i think it's the lid base at first.do the bird pattern looks like printed in detail?i think this could be from mid 20th century.cmiiw

 

The birds could be transfers (decals) as S Wolf suggests, they are probably cranes.

 

we use it for brewing chinese medicine: eg sliced ginseng pieces plus hot water and cover. i guess they could be used to carry an individual portion of congee like a tiffin. think yours is missing the inner lid.

the one on the right with the red seal is newer. traditional homes still use them today.

 

Thanks you Silver, Any and Phaik, good info!