Featured strange item

Hello
I was wondering if anyone could help me out to identify this item? Thanks

 

Well, huh...

Someone smarter than me should be asking shortly.

 

Does it appear to be some or ceramic or? And is it painted? And what size is it?

 

Looks like a brush holder / wash pot. But I have no idea if it's supposed to resemble anything.

 

Soapstone, looks like. Can be used for flowers with short stems, but I'm pretty sure there is another purpose.

 

It's Chinese, carved soapstone or shaoshan stone. I think missing some bits.

 

Yes, as @sabre123 said, a Chinese soapstone brush holder and water dish, for calligraphy. Complete with ink stains, it looks like.

http://raggedybird.com/stores/raggedybirdstore4/carved-chinese-soapstone-water-bowl-brush-vase.html

 

Wonder how old it is?

It would make a nice aquarium fish house

 

I also wonder if it is an old piece

 

For reclusive fish, that don't care to live their life in a typical fishbowl.

 

Looks like a soap and brush holder maybe. To me, the bigger part resembles a fish with its mouth open.

 

As sabre and 2many said, it is a Chinese soapstone brush holder and water dish. Nature themes are often used for 'scholarly activities', they are said to promote a peaceful mind needed for philosophy and arts.
But you could use it any way you like, of course.

 

I quite like it. Yes, I think it was used for ink and writing utensil storage.