For God's sake DO NOT drill a hole in this. It is a brazier, not an ikebana container, nor a bonsai pot. Braziers were used to burn incense, or hold burning charcoal. Many were made to be purely ornamental. This one is one of the ornamental variety. IF it is indeed Meiji Restoration era (1868-1912), it is probably worth more than your most expensive bonsai and pot. The Meiji era was noted for its
spectacular metalwork, done by disenfranchised samurai armor and sword makers. The Meiji era saw the disbanding of samurai and the local warlords they served in favor of a centralized government. The expert swordmakers and armorers were left to find other markets for their skills, including sculpture, ornaments and utensils.