This is a vintage Japanese sewing box called Hari Bako that was constructed out of Japanese Persimmon (Kakinoki),Paulownia (Kirinoki) and other woods.
Its age is from the Taisho period (1910's-920's) and it was originally used to store sewing accoutrements, spools of thread, a pin cushion with pins and other tools used by a seamtress or tailor. Present day purposes would include using it as a jewelry box, a keepsake or small collectibles box, a stationary box on a desk or a cosmetics box on a dresser.
8 1/2"W x 9 1/4"D x 10 1/4"H