We have not seen anything like this before and need to find out exactly where it comes from if we can.  It is a box, for pencils or pens we suppose, likely early 20th century and made of hardstone, possibly marble, heavily carved with abstract birds, boats and other patterns.  Really a  perfect present for the impossible person with everything.  It is highly decorative, a real curiosity and we would expect something they won't have seen before either.