pot with tube inside

I apologize for my lack of proper terminology. I just found this at a yard sale, thought it was cool, and now would like to know what it is. It looks like a large bean pot as in it has a lid with handle, two side handles. But opening it, it has a tube inside, like a candlestick sort of, but that doesn't seem likely. The bottom is brown (unglazed?) and open. The "tube" opens into the inside of the pot. Color is light like sage greenish, with speckles, some brown streaks, and the brown unglazed part. I'll try to get pictures if I can. Any clue would be appreciated. No marks I can find. Pot about a foot across or so, almost that tall. Lid extends over the opening.

https://www.20thcenturyforum.com/t3970-how-to-upload-images-to-your-posts

welcome to the forum crockpot, try adding some pics

From your description it sounds like a "butter bell".

Something like this?

The "tube" inside is narrow, like a candlestick, not a cup like the butter thinger. Trying to post lousy cellphone pic for further enlightenment. And thanks for all efforts.
https://i.servimg.com/u/f43/17/53/14/26/inside12.jpg

Here are pics of inside and outside to help.

is it for cooking?

I don't know what it is for, cooking or not. The bottom is unglazed, if that means anything. It doesn't have any dirt or wear on it, as if it had been cooked with.

Looks to be a type of Chinese steaming vessel from the Yunnan. A few images on the web such as here:

http://www.littleepottery.com/Yunnan.html

Absolutely. Amazing. How it got to a Northern Arizona yard sale, one wonders.
Maybe next yard sale I will find me one of them butter things. Looks like I got my three dollars worth this time.

Thanks to all, and happy pottery-related activities.