Please tell me what this object is and what it does? (Photos enclosed in link)

[SubtitlesOn]

tell me what this is and what it does or is used for?
http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/household_goods/3259600-please-tell-me-what-this-is-and-what-it-does-or-is-used-for

I am sure somebody on MN must have seen one or used one

here is the link again to the photos hopefully

Might have used to have a glass vase in it.