The box is made of paper-mache. The quality of the paper-mache is very high. It is durable and it is processed to have a smooth surface (versus wrnkly surface).  The flower stems of the decoration are painted in genuine liquid bronze, which makes the colors more vivid. This is the last touch that's added to the box before covering it with several layers of lacquer for protection.

The central golden part of the lid of the box was created by laying a thin golden foil and then painting on top of it.