Just wondering what this little ivory pot was for . . .

Found this among a bunch of misc. stuff today.
I have had it forever, and wondered if anyone knew if it was for something, or just a doodad.

It measures 1" across, and almost 1/2" high.

 

I think it's Chinese, maybe used for seal/ink paste. Maybe snuff as well.
Or, I could be wrong!

 

LOL!!
No wronger than me!

 

Most likely for putting your stuff in

 

Are you speaking of the white stuff that was so abundant back in the day?
Or just snuff.

 

LOL Terry! There's an answer that can't be disputed. Actually it looks more Japanese to my eye, but could still be Chinese. Maybe others will chime in.

 

Could it be rather older than you think and a patch box. Or just a pill box.

 

I have NO clue how old it might be. Totally in the dark about it.
I *think* it may have been in a bag of sewing stuff, or maybe even jewelry, that I got at some estate sale years ago.

 

Am I just losing my eye sight or does it look like ivory?


OH DUH I just read the title.

 

Is there a hole in the bottom? If so, could it have been used to hold thread or cord that was pulled out from the hole as needed?

 

I know there were little boxes made to hold "counters", but what they counted, or whether this box is too small, I don't know.

 

Well, isn't that cool.
Probably the oldest thing in the house! LOL
Thanks for all the help with this, folks!
Now I will put it on a shelf and dust it once in a while.