My dad gave me this after he returned from a trip to China. Clearly, I’ve never used it.
It always seemed too precious to use. The packaging is so exquisite, the red velvet, the place for each object. The objects themselves – the stone is delicious. Even the clasp to close the box is sweet.
Keep. But must use. It reminds me of being in art school, when the instructor would say to make your paper (or canvas) dirty right away. Paint it all brown. And then you can begin to really paint.
On a side note, I’m part Chinese (~great-grandfather) and so perhaps I’m imbuing this object with too much nostalgia. Definitely must use.
Obsolescence Project 
“Life, a User’s Manual”. What a great title. I’m spurred to find it. The set, yes exquisite. I love the padded lid, to help cushion the objects in their appropriate pot-holes.
Yes – use it! & if you continue to keep it as a memento, then store a pic of the work you do, along with your description above, in with the set… cuz, like… you’re getting old & you might forget! 🙂
Aww, shucks. Not losing too many of the little grey cells;)
I’ve been meaning to ask you, have you read Life A Users Manual by Georges Perec?
No, I haven’t. I’ll check it out though.
If you do, let me know what you think.
Will do. Already looked at Wiki entry.