Ceramic deco-styled string, cotton holder kitchen sewing room thingy?

I bought this because it has a deco look, but I don’t even know what it is, never mind if it's deco. Combination string/cotton holder? Anybody recognize it? Together, the 2 pieces stand about 4 ¼” tall, measure about 4 ¾” across, and 2 ½” front to back. No maker’s mark or label (I did look under the cork on the bottom).

 

I don't think it is old.
I think newer import, so that would rule out string holder as no one uses string anymore. Even the Post Office doesn't allow it.

 

It looks vintage to me. If it was newer what would it be used for?? It has that California pottery feel to me but WDIK?

 

I didn't notice at first that the hole in the top doesn't go all the way through? Maybe for oil or potpourri in the top and a candle in the bottom? Try an image search on ceramic oil warmer - all kinds of shapes out there.

 

Ceramic oil warmers are something I never heard of, but now I'm prepared to believe that's what this is. It also explains the up-turned ends on the bottom of that top section. Thanks.