It is cast iron.
(http://tnttt.com/gallery/image.php?image_id=117704)
Potpourri pot? ???
I should add that I have no idea. Nada. Zilch. It was at a garage sale and someone dragged it home because it was cute and cheap.
"someone"
;D
not sure, Google "cast iron woodstove steamer" and look at the images and see if that's it.
I should have mentioned the size. It's no more than \maybe 6 inches across, not very big for a steamer. I had thought of that.
I found some pictures of incense burners that are that small. ??? None with lids just like this one though.
This is the closest thing I can find on Google.
http://www.holisticshop.co.uk/products/black-iron-bowl
This one is an incense burner.
(http://www.holisticshop.co.uk/product_images/zoom/BLINHO-Z2.jpg)
I don't think this is meant to be decorative. It looks to be a heavy duty tool
type of thing.
I would use it as a lead smeltor, but I don't think that is what it is.
Fondue pot for hot oil. Keeps the splatter in.