Yeah, I feel like there was an era when Every Possible Thing was an ashtray. Handles to lift out for empyting. If it were deeper, I'd speculate about chilling wine, but here...

I think too big for an ashtray. And if ashtray think it would have grooves to place cigarettes.

It almost seems like holy water bowl.

I said brass but I meant cooper.

It's gotta be an ash tray. I just googled "smoking table with brass bowl." Didn't see this exact one but some that were similar. Love the idea of Christmas ornaments, or maybe a bunch of fresh greens with tiny white lights (battery-powered) wound through them. Mini pumpkins in the fall, set a potted plant in it, candle(s)...lots of options. It's a really cool table!

Dan, I'm gonna look again using "copper." I thought about the groove thing, too.

How about filling it with glass spheres (balls), there are lots online & in stores like Pier 1. Many colors available. I have large wooden bowl filled with spheres made from twig type material.

The spheres would be nice! If you want something more rustic, you can get small grapevine orbs at places like Michael's. @hbn...is that what you have?

Found this:

https://www.aarbids.com/servlet/Search.do?auctionId=1286&itemId=2468

Moroccan fire table?

Or maybe yours is a flambé table (if that even exists)?

Nevermind.

Sammy. Very similar design!

I'm back to thinking it's brass (so sorry!)

I've found similar bowls w handles like these that are mid eastern.

I think too thin to be a fire pit. Surely wood would have scorched.

Thanks for all of the decorating ideas!

I paid $35 for it. Will enjoy it for its looks but hope to figure out the design!

Thanks all!

Sammy, the one you found looks close. It just says "with brass bowl insert." So maybe just decorative? My mind went straight to ashtray. : /

Yes, chlobud, guess that's what mine are, couldn't think of right word ...

Looks like the dish lifts out--what's under it?

They made the food and put it in the bowl then brought it to the table with lots of pita bread for dipping. YUM.

Really nice rug, too. Is that yours?

LeeLee. It does look like it might be a serving bowl of some type.

I found this pic online. The handle posts are so similar

LeeLee nothing is under the bowl. (Except my rug. ;)). I love the rug. It's the reason I bought the table, to show more of the rug. Thank you!

Would make a neat candy dish...

Well, Dan, you'll most likely find out its purpose. In the meantime, enjoy it! I also like the rug!

Another thought...you could always fill the bowl with wine and pass out some long straws. ; )

Nice coffee table.

I like the patina on the bowl. Are you planning to clean it?

Fran. I did clean it bcz so many water type spots. Shows more detail but I like the patina better. That will come back!

Maybe it's an old fashioned spittoon! Ick!

LOL, Lisa...I thought about that!

Great to know you have that beautiful rug.

Why I was asking is if you added some pillows in colors from the rug it would really tie it all together.

i'm afraid if i visited someone's house, i would have just assumed it was an ashtray, even if it wasnt.

if you are a 'certain age' or older... it was all ashtrays back then.

LeeLee I so with you. Thanks for the pillow ideas. I love them!

I just found that rug few weeks ago and now this table. Yes, pillows need changing!

Ashtray. From the days when people took their smoking seriously!

My guess is that it is from the 1950/60s when foreign "exotica" and brass were really in. I don't think it had a purpose beyond decorative but it is awesome ! And such a great deal at $35! Loce the pillow suggestions and how about posting some more pictures when you have the room the way you want?

LeeLee, can you real me where you found those pillows? I really do like them and want to change my current ones out.

This room transition started with my impulsive buy of the rug. at an estate sale. I love the rug. Then last weekend, along came the table (also estate sale and impulsive). But I also love it.

The style of the room is shifting from mid-century to, I think, a more traditional look? I think I'm coming out of a "grey phase" and drawn to more colors again.

This is my first experience with a discussion board (wait, another impulsive move! Ha). But again, love this forum. LeeLee, pillows are next! Thanks again to all!