Japanese Keyaki Zenibako Money Box - 19thC Finish - Blue Lacquer it evokes ancient Indian beliefs

it evokes ancient Indian beliefs in the Hindu lion god Narasimha

The backs of the doors are plain without carving

and gemstones

Bikaner cabinets like this one are often made from cedar wood which grows further north in areas bordering the Himalayas

Japanese Keyaki Zenibako Money Box - 19thC Finish - Blue Lacquer it evokes ancient Indian beliefsThis antique Japanese safe box dates to circa 1860, the late Edo period (1603 1868), and is called zenibako in Japan. It would have been used to store money and other valuables by a merchant, hence the coin slot at the top. The drawers would have held writing equipment like inkstone & brushes. It could also be referred to as a kakesuzuri, portable writing box. It is in excellent condition with its original leech (hirute) handles (hikite) and ironware.