I think this vintage box made of china, which has a little dish inside, was an ashtray holder. The little dish inside (and there were probably a couple more), is what you would use as the ashtray and the box held the little plates. I just think it would be great on your vanity to store your jewelry and other trinkets....it has a sticker on the bottom that indicates it was made in Japan and has lovely roses~no flaws that I can detect! Really a nice piece ~ measures 4.5 inches long by 3.5 inches wide.