Medicine Boxes were used all over Japan in the 20’s. They contained all the important first-aid items that one would find in one’s own medicine cabinet today, and could be found in every home in Japan. Every few months someone would visit and restock any medicine or first-aid item that would need replenishing in the home. Medicine Boxes often had great calligraphy, denoting the area they came from or the medical supply company’s name and the list of supplies in the box. The boxes are usually made from Paulownia Wood, so I would guess this one is too. Paulownia wood is great for keeping items in good condition and keeps the box itself tight. This Medicine wood box has a metal drawer pull. I snag this the last time I was in Japan with many other goodies.