Ink box made from 'paktong' also known as white brass. Paktong, sometimes called 'beitong', could be polished to look like silver but was much cheaper to produce. It was especially popular in the beginning of the 20th century. The cover of this small round box was engraved with a landscape scene. Ink boxes gave their owner the possibility to bring his ink (used for signatures and writing) along when he was going out. The box dates from the Republic Period (1912 - 1949). Diameter 4.9 cm. Height 2.3 cm.