Is this Pottery thing old or new?

For 50 cents I thought it was interesting enough to buy. It's weird because it's kind of black and rusted out on the inside but appears to be a sort of reddish pottery covered in gilt. The decorations of putti seem to have crisper detail than what one would normally expect in modern ware, but it's not marked and I wonder if it IS modern. Any ideas?

 

77 views and no ideas? Gut feelings are appreciated here too. I am kind of lost with this one. Thank you.

 

Given the caduceus shown in the one photo, I would guess that the design is based on a cast bronze pharmaceutical mortar. I think it is a decorative item meant for use as a planter and not particularly old. The appearance seems to me more intentional distress than genuine age. JMHO

 

Thanks! That helps a lot. I appreciate it.