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Hello, anyone know what this is? Found at thrift store, apparently it has been used as an incense holder but I don’t know if that was its intended purpose, because it appears to be a functional pot with spigot and lid.

Do you know where and when it came from? What it’s made of? Is it depicting a Buddha, or what is it??

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Although the shape resembles that of a teapot, it is often used as an ornament or decorative item, or as an incense burner or incense holder, rather than for practical purposes.
It is made of a kind of substantial metal, such as bronze with an antique patina.
A modern antique style craft,probably from late 20th century.
Bottom marking reads,
〇小馬製　Made by 〇 Xiaoma
Xiaoma is a given name.

Unfortunately, I can't make out the first character of the marking because the outline isn't sharp enough.

The Buddha figure on the side forming esoteric Buddhist mudras (hand gestures) in front of the chest, the ornament (crown) worn on the head, and the unique pedestal are characteristics that are much closer to the designs found in Tibetan Buddhism (Lamaism) and the Tibetan and Nepalese styles of Buddhist art influenced by it, rather than to typical Buddhist statues from China.

With regards,
I.Nagy

Very kind thanks I.Nagy for sharing so much information, once again!

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