Chinese vase

[amena]

I found this vase, which I suppose is a flowerpot. I think it's older because the base is hand-hammered.

There are three hanging bowls of which I can not understand the purpose.
Each bowl is marked LAINC IANG.
Can anyone give some information about it?
Best
Amena

[oel]

Hi Amena,

Chinese export silver Epergne with three Hanging Baskets.
Believe it to read LAINCHANG for; Lain Chang & Co, located city of Shanghai circa 1890-1925. The chopmark (Chinese Character(s)) is known to be used by Lain Chang.


Best,
Peter

[amena]

Thanks Peter for the identification of the silversmith and also for teaching me what is the epergne.
A "flower pot", how embarrassing!
Regards
Andrea