Can anyone tell me what this is?

[lorifrederick]

Ok it is marked Sterling 950 is made by miyata took it to a flea market friend of mine and she says it looks like a butter mold, I thought butter molds were wood so I thought I would ask you guys. After you put top part on it has about an 1" space from design to bottom of dish. Any idea what it is? Thank you
size ; It is 3" across and 1.75" tall

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[DianaGaleM]

I've seen tea bag strainers like this, both antique and recent.