Asian something - fish shaped holder

I am wondering what this was before it was broken.
Weight - about 1.75 oz
About 3 3/8" long
Non-magnetic

Appears to have been gilded at one time.

 

Hmmm, something fishy here!

On a more serious note-almost looks like a repurposed fish. From what to what IHNI. If it was made with the intention of having the 3 cylinders attached, that side would be flat vs. 3D as it is now. Maybe spelter-is there a silvery look where plating/patina is worn off?

 

No - more of a old bronze look.

 

Can you get your fingers in the holes?
An antique 'brass'-knuckles for ladies!

 

Japanese flower frog.
What do they call their flower arrangements? Too early yet for the brain to work.

https://www.google.com/search?q=bronze+fish+flower+frog&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi24crlgpvLAhUHw2MKHQoXCMMQ_AUICCgC&biw=1647&bih=1057&dpr=0.85#imgrc=7Y6VE9G7CG2gSM:


Adding:
Just realized the link called flower arrangement Ikebana.
Sorry, haven't had enough coffee yet.

 

Thanks, cluttered!! That's it!
(ikebana)

 

And how clever that it's a fish in the water.

Edit - I bet it could double as a brass-knuckles in a pinch. Things can probably get rough among courtesans.

 

LOL It wouldn't even fit a baby's fingers!

 

Salesman's model, then!

 

Gila seems to be in a mood to punch out someone's lights!

LOL!

 

I get like that!
Machisma!