I think it is possible that this lovely treen box is a snuff box, or, if not, I'd think a spice box--the space inside is not very large, suggesting that it was made to hold something fairly precious, which one would likely dispense using a little spoon The wood on this lathe-turned piece is just gorgeous, as is its form, from beautifully rounded bottom to finely detailed little finial on top. And the threaded top half screws tightly onto the bottom to keep anything inside super secure!
There is writing in what appears to be ink on one side of the box, which I am pretty sure is Arabic. I'd guess it dates to the late 19th or early 20th but am not entirely certain.
Excellent condition, with just a few very, very minor scratches on the surface of the wood and a bit of wear around the lip of the bottom half where it meets the lid. It measures 4 1/2" tall x 1 1/2" wide, with an interior opening of 1" across.
