Carrying box, Japan. Leather, wood, metal. Late 19th century, 8" (20.2 cm) wide by 4.5" (11.4 cm) high by 2.5" (6.3 cm) deep. This mysterious little box was used as a carrying case for small cylindrical objects, perhaps medicine bottles. Looking inside, the impression from two rows of partitions can be seen. The two debossed mon or family crests on the front represent omodaka, the water plantain. The chain, which is attached on both sides, has been repaired and reconnected with two patinated copper links at each end.