Japanese Art

This is called an inrou. The name literally translates to "seal caddy". Way back in the Edo Period these were originally used as seals but later on they branched out as containers for medicine and tobacco. Inro are held together by the cord and sealed with a bead (in this case, the turtle shell). The cord is also used to hang the container from the belt.

The inrou are usually decorated with lacquer and intricate paintings and designs (urushi-e). These containers are crafted in distinct Japanese taste; fully functional while at the same time an intricate work of art. These particular pieces can be seen at the Kakegawa Ninomaru Museum of Art.

I also found an interesting site that sells inrou designed to protect ipods.