Please Help Identify Small Metal Box

I recently purchased this at an estate sale for a few dollars because I thought it was interesting. But I can’t figure out what its purpose was or what creature is carved on the lid. I’ve tried google imaging. Is it a dragon or something like a foo dog? How old do you think it is?

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

I wonder if thats a Betel box .

 

I like it...a LOT!
Looks lizard-like...Lovely!

 

Nice box, Stacey.

It is a "forest dragon", a translation of the Chinese term for a mythical gecko.
I love them, and have several snuff bottles depicting them.

 

Yes, the shape and size look like it could be a lime box for betel use.

 

There is a "forest dragon" in post #4 in the thread below, and there are probably more further down:

https://www.antiquers.com/threads/chinese-snuff-bottles-cameo-carved-and.23777/

 

Thank you for the information!

 

Are you able to tell what type of stone the forest dragon is carved out of? Also, would the metal be overlaid copper? I’m also wondering how old it might be if it’s possible to tell. Sorry to ask so many questions.

 

Difficult to say, I wonder if it is ceramic, rather than a natural stone.

It is probably a copper alloy, so copper combined with other (white) metals, like zinc or tin. It is a solid metal, no overlay.

My guess is mid 20th century, but it could be a bit older. Not much though, there isn't much wear to the base.

No need to apologize, we all come here to ask questions, and answer them if we can.

 

Thank you, again!