Help Identifying hand thrown salt glaze pot vase? signed SIMPSON

I need Help identifying this hand thrown salt glaze pot vase ? signed SIMPSON.  It appears to be older to me (like 19th century) with the exception of the signature on the bottom.  Also I believe it may have had a metal ring around the rim and also at the base which are missing.  It's 8.5" tall and 9" wide at the belt and weighs 7 lbs.  It is signed SIMPSON on the bottom.  Any assistance as to it's age, maker, and intended use would be appreciated.  I can post additional images if needed. Thanks.
Bill

The decoration looks slightly amateurish. It would be interesting to see the inside of it. As generally if it was used as a flower vase it would have water ring marks inside.

Looks like someone influenced by Chinese blue & white Ming pottery

Hi Philpot and NaomiH, Thanks for the replies.  I've added a couple images of the inside, the rim , and the base.  Upon closer examination the outer edge of the base was just unglazed, it doesn't appear there was ever a ring or edge protector there.  I still believe the top edge either had or was meant to have a some sort of protective ring.  So maybe a stoneware replica of Ming porcelain?  I was hoping someone might recognize the signature.  When I google the image and simpson and or pottery I end up with a bunch of links to Newcomb College - Anne Frances Simpson, no help at all.