Could someone please tell me what this is called ?

I would guess that it is just a decorative jar. There aren't any ashes in it is there?

LOL! Wait, I hope not! I only see a design on some surface and can't tell what the entire shape is, but it sure is beautiful.

At first glance it looks like part of a canister set that was hand-made and/or hand painted. I know nothing about antiques so someone else may be able to give you more information. No matter what, it's beautiful!

Good luck!

I would amuse just a decorative piece.

I was also thinking that it might be an urn. It's really beautiful, whatever it's used for. Great find!

It is a beautiful older canister!! Lucky you

I'm pretty sure it's a cremation urn. It's beautiful, why don't you use it for what ever "you" want.

Looks like either an ash urn for cremates, or a ginger jar.

It looks ike an ironing board cover.

It's an Asian ginger jar for decorative purposes 😍

I agree, it is a ginger jar

It's very pretty. It DOES look Asian. Have you looked on the bottom or somewhere else on there to see if there's a signature or label of some sort? Could be worth alot more than what you paid for it!

I have seen Asian tea containers like that..

If you have access to Facebook - DustyOldThing might help --- also they have a web site www.dustyoldthing.com It's lovely, and I think it is not a contemporary piece -- or it's a very good repro!

I think it is a decorative piece designed to represent a ginger jar or a tea cannister. I don't think it's an antique, but rather made to look old. Are there markings on the bottom?