This is a very rare, antique Japanese wooden tobacco box decorated with the words "Participation Commemoration" "2nd Gunboat Squadron". This item is quite similar in style to the Shiratsuyu box I have. Japanese navy had gunboat squadrons that were employed on Chinese rivers - either in defense for the Manchukuo, or on the Yangtze river since they're navigable all the way up to Wuhan, a major city in central China that was the site of fierce fighting. It's quite rare to have these gunboats be named as items, and the style and material of the box are from China - and the box itself is very well made.

Condition: Mint. The lid is of a darker color than the box itself, but it fits like a glove, suggesting it was probably designed that way. Minor surface wear but no scratches or dings. The wood seems very hard in nature.

Size: 5.5" x 4.5" x 2.75"