"This large, ceramic, turquoise fire hydrant looking thing has been in the family for decades. Resembles some sort of large lantern, but still unsure."
A: "I believe it’s a small heater, probably gas. Mostly decorative to protect people from the flame."
Thanks Internet.
"... and the liquid will drop through the slit in the middle."
Let's keep it clean; this is not an AO site.