I swear I answered this question before.
It's way too nice to spray paint....it looks like brass with porcelain insets.

I agree on not painting. You could try to polish the brass. The details on the brass are lovely. The insets almost look like ivory/scrimshaw to me, but I'm no expert. I would have it checked out by someone who knows about Asian antiques.

You did, lindac,

She originally posted her question on the first "how to post a photo" thread. I have to assume she wasn't aware where it posted and so did it again.

I don't know how valuable it might be, but spray paint will look terrible. Don't do it.

Until you have researched it and identified it, assume it's valuable. Check all parts of it for a maker name.

Looks like the panels are "lithophane".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithophane