Chinese Box?

Hi everyone, This is a faux-grain painted wooden box with domed top and a fancy brass clasp with a lock (no key). It's not marked but it looks Chinese. What do you think? It measures 8" wide, 6" deep and 3 3/4" high. What about age....could it be 19th century? Could it be a tea box? Thank you!

 

I think it's meant to be a faux tortoise shell finish.

 

I think you are correct. Thanks!

 

Based only on the lock, my gut feel is not Chinese...bicbw.

 

Pure guess:The escutcheon plate could be Chinese or European 18-19th century.Can you get us close-ups of fasteners,nails,etc ?

 

Nice looking box. Nice escutcheon plate that looks old and promising. But in general Im always sceptical with maybe Chinese looking boxes.

Also I just learned the word:escutcheon (thanks @bosko69)

 

There is a lock mechanism but I'm not sure how it works. There is no keyhole, but a little piece that moves up to secure the back of the latch. There might be some part of this mechanism missing.

 

Sure looks like a keyhole...to me, anyway.

 

It doesn't go thru the wood. A key might turn the metal thing that sticks out but it only secures the latch. So I guess it does have a keyhole. Just not the kind that goes through the other side of the wood.

 

Ditto-The hole beneath the latch hole,appears to be a keyhole.
PS-Yes,not all keys go all the way thru the door/lid.