This is an antique Japanese merchant writing box called Kake Suzuri Bako from mid. Meiji period (1880's-1890's).
It was constructed out of beautiful Keyaki (Zelkova) and Sugi (Cedar) woods.
Most likely used by a wealthy merchant, this box held the inkstone, brushes, paper, paperweight, and money that was used for daily business record keeping.
8 1/2"W x 10 3/4"D x 10"H