Featured What was this used for?

Looking for some help identifying what this was used for, material and possible age. Just over 4” tall, Thank you

 

Tea caddy? It's pretty.

 

It looks like carved lacquer over brass. Chinese. Genuine lacquer (as opposed to molded resin) is built up in layers. On the top of the box there appear to be layers visible in the beveled portions of the black design. You can look for more evidence of layers on the exposed edges. Red lacquer was traditionally colored with cinnabar (the mineral mercury sulfide).

https://picclick.com/Vtg-Asian-Carved-Cinnabar-Red-Black-Floral-191989214877.html

https://www.realorrepro.com/article/Cinnabar

 

One only need a few correct words and the internet opens up to them. Simply took these words “antique black Cinnabar Carved Lacquer” from your link INH and Wallaaa.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3324570688...aw70AOVH3o4EOkVOXgTmhzWbTWidykxIaAvgFEALw_wcB

https://www.chairish.com/product/42...ZxptVM8d5r8_92zAr7f8BpRy2ilzZcL4aAsRJEALw_wcB

https://www.ebay.com/itm/153438855616

I like my links better


Thank you, and thank you too, TraceyB

updated: thanks 2MB, reading the info now, I knew of cinnabar being red, was unfamiliar with the black.

 

cigarettes, came with matching matchbox cover and ashtray.