A rectangular mango wood box, 15.5 cm long, 10.5 cm wide and 6.5 cm high. Two small metal hinges hold the lid at the back, and a metal clasp keeps it shut at the front. The sides are a darker brown with the wood grain clearly visible. On top, the black-coated lid carries a gold compass rose marked N and S, set over a red circle with a flower of life pattern and framed by golden clouds and a lotus flower. Beneath it, curved letters read “Compass of life”. Made in India; you receive one box.
A compass for life on the lid
Translated, the words mean a compass for life. On old maps the compass rose showed the directions; here it is more of a good wish for someone looking for a new direction. You will find the same design on a round box and on a small square one.
Crystals, a watch or a pack of cards
Choose the medium size when the small box is no longer enough. Raw crystals, bead bracelets, a wristwatch or a few folded letters will all fit. In the photo, a black agate bracelet and a few raw stones still leave plenty of room. Inside, the wood is bare and unlined.
Before keeping tarot cards in it, measure them. The box is 15.5 × 10.5 cm on the outside, and the wooden walls take up some of that, so decks with larger cards may not fit.
About the clasp and care
A clasp keeps the lid closed, but it has no key and cannot be locked. At about 300 g, the box is light to move around. Wipe the coated lid with a dry, soft cloth, never soak the wood and keep it off radiators. It looks just as good on a desk as on a dressing table.