Small Japanese ... jar? What to call this?

Not thinking huge value, might even be missing something like a lid. Smaller than a ginger jar and not exactly that shape, so maybe just for jewelry?

I assume the characters aren't a signature. What to call this? Thanks.

 

Hmmm, I wonder if the "writing" on the side of the jar actually "spells out" (pun intended) what it is meant to be used for.

 

Yes, was wondering about that, too! Maybe I could try for google image search of the characters.

 

I think just a little box or jar for whatever you want, and it is Chinese, not Japanese. I cannot read the inscription but on similar pieces it was always related to the beauty of the woman on the other side. It dates to the republic period, 1920s-30s...

 

Thank you for taking a look, Mat.

Appreciate the help.