I love a good lacquer box, and really love the imagery on this one, with this serene looking cross legged figure, a monk I assume, holding up a brush in one hand and flag-like page in the other, painted with what I'd assume is the kanji--or signature--of its maker.  And then those great trees and islands in the background, with abstracted bird flying overhead. 

I assume this lacquered papier mache box is early 20th century Japanese. The interior is a deep red gold-flecked lacquer which I believe is called nashiji. There is an old sticker in the upper right corner of the interior with Japanese characters and, handwritten, "No. 1." It is in very good condition, with a bit of cloudiness to the black lacquer on the front of the box and a little bit of cracking to the lacquer on the underside of the box near the bottom edge. 4 3/4" long x 3 5/8" wide x 2 7/8" tall.