Can you help name that Thinge?

Okay I have been waiting for this party all week, Vintage Thingie Thursday with Suzanne @ Coloradolady. I found this wonderful pink and yellow thingie at the home (actually buried out in the garage and yes still covered in dust) of an elderly lady. Her family has no idea what it is, but that it has been sitting out in the garage for at least 40 years.

I have been showing it to my dealer friends in hopes of gathering information about this unique piece. It stands about 20 inches tall and is a container of some sorts. With the lid removed, you can see some rust spots inside that you might see inside a plant pot, residue from minerals in the water. There are no drainage holes. It is a ceramic piece.


Here is the base with the same silver design as the lid.

Possible suggestions have been plant pot, fondue pot and ashtray. I would have just called it simply an art piece, but the lid suggests a function. All have agreed that both the colors and the style would indicate a mid-century piece. Any ideas? Let's play the game....."Name that Thingie". As always, thanks for your help.

Got it at Goodwill
Sherrie