Featured Large Heavy Hand Painted Chinese Insulated? Well Tray

I can't see it as any kind of planter or cache pot. Shallow, basin does not drain, most of decoration would be hidden. But what is visible, in the 3rd pic, through the side perforations? Wondering if it is not indeed meant for serving hot food & keeping it hot by pre-warming the dish & the block of dark material something that will retain the heat for a while. Eight pounds seems very heavy if there is nothing more to it than what we see outside.

 

Before my last posting, I already believed in my mind that it is not a planter because no planter would have a nice painting hidden under dirt. I didn't say firmly to just leave the guess open for others. I am inclined to believe it is for food. If the perforations are same on all sides, then I think nothing can be put through to keep it warm. My collection of 16x12" rose medallion platter has similar weight, so I do believe it is just hollow. maybe being hollow to protect table paint.

 

明月松间照画？ 清泉石上流赏？。 吉笔示用？ 永味清香？

 

吉笔示用 indicates it is a brush washer, then why hollow?
永味清香means it is for food. Confusing.

明月松间照画 清泉石上流赏just talks about the painting, not implying the usage of the item.