What is this ?

I answered a bit... maybe ask Etsy ... then you can look up worth, etc. it’s beautiful & no doubt hand carved & painted.... Chinese or Japanese .... if it’s from occupied Japan, you’ll find out. Or take it to a reputable antique dealer for an idea 💡

Hi, it looks like a fancy chop from China. Pick up the brown piece , look on the bottom, it should have symbols carved in it.

the small painted pot is fot the red ink.

you gently dip the bottom of the chop in the ink and press it next to your signature on paper.

It is the actual signature of an ancient writer. If this is old, it is valuable. If not, it is fun. I use mine on the back of envelpes I send to people.

Chinese Chop.

https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&tbs=simg:CAESlwEJAuT8TiVjBrUaiwELEKjU2AQaBAgVCAgMCxCwjKcIGmIKYAgDEiiTBOQMhBeuF_1IL_1xCsF48MmAyvF-o0kzWNNZA1kjWHIu49kTWIIooiGjAQfcTSLjpN-kNYSHhvjl5pcJDLDrMFUZLeKGelZMP0L_1TmP4C9BSd9JZU_1nf4tUHcgBAwLEI6u_1ggaCgoICAESBPe_1uiYM&q=chinese+chop&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwir-o3fnsPdAhWJ2YMKHd0PBL4Qsw56BAgCEAE&biw=1093&bih=499

https://www.ebay.com/bhp/chinese-chop

That is definately part of a Sumi-e painting set. The dish or container would contain red ink (paste) and the wooden piece is the stamp (chop) for signing the piece.

Sumi-e is the beautiful Asian style of painting with ink (usually black, the ink is a beautifle piece also) and quick brush strokes.

They are beautiful, but not worth very much. Maybe $5-10.

It is a wax seal set. You press the bottom of the wood piece into the wax and then seal your envelope. I have one, a friend brought it back to me from Japan. I use it on birthday cards, Christmas cards, etc. Mine is my name spelled in Japanese

Chinese “chop” or wax seal.

Yep, Chinese wax seal. Lucky you it's a nice one. Enjoy.

i have one like yours

it’s a seal and the paste is lacre ( in spanish) to seal letters and documentos with your name

or your family crest