Research into Japanese puzzle boxes (Himitsu bako) or secret boxes
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puzzle_box
A puzzle box (also called a secret, or trick box) is a box that can only be opened through some obscure or complicated series of manipulations. Some puzzle boxes may require only a simple squeeze in the right spot, whereas others may require the subtle movement of several small parts, to open the box. Some puzzle boxes are comparable to burr puzzles.
The puzzle box originated in the Hakone region of Japan at the turn of the 19th century as the Himitsu-Bako, or Personal Secret Box. If opened, a puzzle box usually contains a sort of good luck charm. These boxes were made in various complexities, and consist of moves with a variety of twists to trick the person trying to open the box, but the real trick is finding the correct series of movements that can range from two to 1500+ moves.
Box seems like it cannot be opened as all the sides flush together and it isn't obvious how its opened:
After figuring out the beginning steps, it is possible to follow the exact series and sequence of moves, then it can be opened:
Opened box:
