Presumed 18th Century Heavy Book Shaped Writing Box with Original Red Paint Remnants, Likely British antique Chinese cinnabar box which I guess could be

which I guess could be described as a sort of tramp art meets Neo-classical architecture cabinet of wonders

has a bit of that about it

and then that bee flying over water lilies on one of the spice containers

With its crown of thorns type construction

No case or backing

Presumed 18th Century Heavy Book Shaped Writing Box with Original Red Paint Remnants, Likely British antique Chinese cinnabar box which I guess could beI've had a couple of 19th century book shaped tole painted boxes holding ink wells with room for pens and letters inside; this I believe is an earlier and finer precursor to those, 18th century British I think. I purchased it at one of the shows in Nashville from a dealer who had purchased it at auction, described that way, and it is most definitely old, crafted, it appears to me, of thick, heavy brass (it is quite heavy and substantial for its size.)