Metal dish

Does anyone know what this is or what it might have been used for?would love to know the subject mater and what the details in the dish are.
I actualy picked this up in a small antique shop in Spain years ago and brought it home in my suitcase.

It measures 8 and half inches wide by 6 inches deep by 5 inches high approx.

Thank you all in advance

 

This looks like a dup from Italian seller.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/296085749396

Debora

 

I was thinking for keys/coins, but this place says business card tray.

 

Yes, I think it is a vide poche, literally "empty pocket", something that sits on a hall table to put your keys and small change on.

 

Agree, a pretty receptacle for misc.

Debora

 

I dont know how ye find this so quickly.looks very similar alright.what would the subject matter be then is he or she an elf or a cherub or something else sitting on something , and what are swirley details in the dish do you think.

 

The seller thought it was the figure of Liberty given the Phrygian cap.

Debora

 

Looks like a water sprite to me.

 

Yes, that's what I would think too with leaf motif.

Debora