A small, circular two piece box/compact with hand painted porcelain top. Mirror on inside. The metal is non-magnetic and tested negative for silver. I remember reading about how on older pieces eyes are usually painted as a single line and the newer reproductions are painted as a line with an added pupil. Am I remembering that correctly?
Yes.
This sort of box probably used originally real excavated shards, of which there are many to be found in China. Possibly for tourists.
Unfortunately, they now frequently shard from fake porcelain, like with this one.
A warning is given herewith to all who read this: even fake shards are on the market nowadays!
Thanks to you Peter for the valuable knowledge!