This is an antique Japanese sewing box called Hari Bako.
Its age is from Taisho (1910's-1920'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.
12 1/2"w x 7 1/2'd x 10 1/4"h