Don't know what it is...

I've been car booting.  Found this.  It's a pottery trapezoidal box with a hole in the top.  Maker's mark is Taylor and Tunnicliff and the design registration number suggests it dates from 1888.

I cannot figure out what it is, but clearly there was another bit to it.  I think it may be the base of some kind of lamp.  I just like it for it's oddness.