Antique 19th c Chinese wooden prayer/money pot with ox bone carved decoration.

Quirky little item is this ..... and quite unnusual? I'm unsure of it's orginal purpose however ... in that it might have been a prayer or money pot given that the foundation of the original lock is still in situ but without the lid engaging mechanism or key to complete a function.

 Given its patination  I'd estimate it to be late 1800's, enhanced somewhat by ox bone carved decoration giving it oriental/chinese provenance. It's been stored away in my collection of antiquities since the 1940's being passed down by my grand-parents who used it to collect farthings for when I came to visit.

I'd best describe it as 'turned'  .....  but can't be accurate about wood type other than to say that it it resembles pine made to resmble ebony and rosewood?  Absolutely no signs of worm or cracks/splits in the bone - just aged patination.. So there that's me done ....I'll leave it for you to assess its qualities .... and bid if you will ....just trust the four pictures I've posted. will assist.

I've just been reminded that I overlooked to mention SIZE : Height : 10.8 cms (4 3/8ths ")  with the respective diameter of both the base & lid is : 8.3 cms (3 3/8ths")

Items will be despatched Royal Mail 1st class recorded delivery - signature req'd

Got a new camera .... so I 've added a couple of better focused sharper pictures.

The carved decoration on the lid of this pot might possibly be jade  ... just thought I'd mention it to avoid any suggestion of misrepresentation.