I Can't Imagine What This Brass Thing Is, But I Love It! Please Help ID?

~9" high overall, ~4 3/4" wide, 1.279kg; appears to be yellow brass, rather than bronze.
This was a gift from a shop-owner who was closing her small bead store to an admiring customer...me...about ten years ago.
I've been thinking of it as a censer, but in taking these pics realized that can't be right, as there's no vent for the interior!
To my eye, it looks SE Asian...Thai, or? But that amounts to a guess, no more. Have any of you seen the like? Thanks for lookin'!

 

my 1st thought leads to inkwell............

 

https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/131...MIyqSlqrbI_wIVVFVyCh2WrQKqEAQYByABEgJKVfD_BwE

pagoda style.........

 

asian bronze inkwell pagoda style

 

but likely brass..........

 

It seems that you've done all the heavy lifting in this thread komo...an' Spot-On at that! Thanks!!

 

Nice ID brother Komo

 

Gd catch Komo.IMHO,It's patterned after the ancient Indian structures named 'Stupas'-stone structures meant to commemorate or hold the remains of saints.
Is that gal still around-i think she might've took a shine to ya.Those puppies aren't cheap.

 

Well...at least the ones (19) listed on the Bay are all north of $100, an' many are over $200...BIN or make offer, with free shipping, an' all from India! But when y'look at Sold Listings? Nary a single one, at any price. WP may show one, or a few...but I'd be very surprised to see anywhere near that kinda $$. Apparently they're fairly common, in India...but don't generate much interest here inna US.

 

I have NO CLUE how you came up with that, but KUDOS to you, KOMO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

normally I'd say polish it up....but here...just a light cleaning , as the color is very nice !

 

Beautiful little piece Whit,you outdid yourself & didn't even know it.

 

They can't sell it-I'll take em & be happy not selling it.

 

Uhh...Are you desirous of this bauble, bosko? Otherwise I'm not sure what you mean.
Be careful what you wish for...

 

I'd keep it-beautiful little thing.