In China the Zhen Xian Bao or Shu Bao is traditionally used to store threads and needles and other embroidery materials. This version with flower boxes on top is coming from the Han in Northern China. Most of the examples have 31 boxes (16 on top). The flower on top of these boxes is the Chrysanthemum, a symbol for good luck in China.

There are many variations of this kinds of Thread Books. In the South of China there are other examples, mostly with the "Morroccan Purse" on top.

This origami interpretation is a construction of 7 boxes on top of each other, which doesn't have to be glued. It is possible to apply glue for more durability. Furthermore if you glue you can avoid the color change on the flower boxes.

Here Joan Sallas is demonstrating some real old thread books from China

I discovered this kind of folding because of the research for PaDoRe by Joan Sallas and his enthousiasm for this subject.

Pdf with diagrams