Interesting Fishy Serving Dish

This is an interesting "serving" dish I came across recently, and bought because I like "fish" motif items and it was very unusual. It's missing one wood post, but has one still intact that can be unscrewed and removed for cleaning. Trying to figure out what it is used for, but not having much luck. There is a label on the underside that is not totally intact, but does seem to have "%AVA%" on it (where "%" is wild card). It reminds me of Japanese style ceramics/porcelain, but I'm at a loss. Anyone recognize it?