Chinese Export Soap Dish? Identification and Age?

[lovevintage]

Hello - I am hoping that someone can help me identify this piece.  I can only attach 2 photos due to size but I can send more.  I believe it may be a soap dish....if so, it appears to be missing it's top lid.  Based on my limited research online, it has a slightly different shape than the other soap dishes, so I am wondering if it might be for something else.  It measures approx. 4 3/4 inches by 3 inches by 1 3/4 inches tall.  Can anyone tell me a) it's purpose b) it's age  c) the pattern name (Famille Rose?) and d) what the Chinese writing says on the back?  Thank you very much!

[peterp]

This is an early republic cricket box. Just search for "porcelain cricket box".

[lovevintage]

Thank you very much for the information.  How fascinating!  Never would have thought of that.  I am not familiar with the term "early republic".....can you tell me what years that comprises?  Any idea what the Chinese lettering says?  Thank you again.

[peterp]

1912 was the first year of the republic. Usually early means until about 1930.