Anyone know the origin of my golden lion container?

This is a Goodwill find... It captured my attention immediately. It's coiled clay with gold over a green undertone. It's a container, maybe a planter? The lion's head and mane are hand carved. The lion's tail, ears, and 2 legs are attached. It's body is flush with the flat surface it sits on. The legs provide stability to its sides. There are two maroon stamps on its underside, but they are illegible. The stamps look like ink or dye and are not impressed into the clay. They appear to be the same mark stamped twice. The stamp is circular with something in the center. I can't tell if the circle is a design or if there is something written in a circle. The center object appears to be similar to a crown. I'm thinking it may be of Asian origin, but really don't have a clue. It's simple, but not simple. It weighs 2 pounds 8 ounces and is 12 inches long X 5 inches wide at the shoulders. I love it and it is simply gorgeous.

Can anyone help me identify it? Thank you!