Bronze Vase with Gold Splash

[laneyhogs]

Likely this is Chinese, but members may correct me if it is Japanese, or share their knowledge of a Chinese object. Bronze vase, 17" tall, 22 pounds. Splashed gold on surface. Looks like the original dark patina. Cast mark on bottom. My research describes the process of applying this gold as follows. Molten gold is poured onto oil, water or powdered charcoal next to the object. The gold immediately splashes onto the surface being treated, leaving a seemingly random pattern. Photo shows cast mark on bottom. I welcome any information or opinions.  I will likely sell it eventually but not until I understand what I have and what it is worth.  

[SteveM]

The mark on the bottom says 宣徳 (Sentoku), which was originally a brass made in, and exported from, China.

The word exists in Japan also, and the meaning is a bit more broadly applied to other types of brass.

Judging from the decorations, I'd say this was Chinese.