Featured Chinese or - does anyone know what it is

Hardwood, three sections in place measure about 16.5 inches in height and about 4.5 in diameter
The base stands 7 inches in height and the center column is 2” in diameter with a chamber centered in the column 1.5” wide and 1.25” deep.

The middle piece has a similar cutout on the bottom but fitted together on the first section the combined size of the chamber measure 1.5” in diameter and 1.5” deep.

Looks to be some residue but whatever is there is hard and has “no smell” even when scratched.
The middle section has holes that lead from the top of the chamber to the middle ring of holes on the outside of the middle section

The sections 7” base, 5” for the spire on top, and 6” for the middle section.

Your thoughts are welcome and addictive- is anyone else buying unrecognized item because the collective knowledge base (you guys) are interested, lively, and fun.

Mo

 

Incense burner, and it's been around a while. Someone else who knows what she's or he's doing will be along sooner or later. @Any Jewelry may well have a better guess at where it's from. I'd just be taking a wild guess, but it does look like a minaret.

 

Could be an incense burner, although burning incense in wood may not be a very good idea. There are no burn marks.
Maybe meant for something else with a nice scent, spices, herbs, flower petals?
My guess is continental SE Asia. Thailand, Cambodia, Laos.

 

Found one similar item but none infrmarion

 

I've found wooden incense burners before; the Germans make them. (see "smokers" ) Small cones of incense go inside and don't hurt anything, although there's often a small metal cup inside just in case. This might have been a spice holder too I suppose. Cloves maybe?

 

The center extension has a different age or wear pattern. Maybe that was not always used. ?

Oh never mind, I see now it’s attached.

 

Just a guess, but I could see it used for storing and burning stick incense; store the unused sticks inside, and in use, stick them into the holes. This would leave the inside unburned, as seems to be the case. And would let dozens of sticks be burned at the same time, for a truly dense cloud of smoke.

 

incidentally I mixed up the measurements for 3 pieces
Base 7"
Middle 5"
Spire 6"
Not making much difference
- but there you have it

Mo