I'm pretty sure it is a jewelry box. I have two very similar to this one. I paid $110 retail for mine before the economy tanked, the other was a gift. Here is one almost identical to the one I have:
http://www.mjhdesignarts.com/store/item/chinese-jade-detailed-jewelry-box The front doors on yours are different, but the rest of the design is the same- little drawers inside with brass flip-out pulls, padded satin interior, corner brasses. There are actually five Chinese bats in the motif, you usually see them in groups of five, which represent earth, air, fire, water and metal and the five happinesses, health, wealth, longevity, good luck and tranquility. Want to know where your fifth bat is? It is in the handle itself! It is kind of stylized and you have to look a little closely. I was told that my jewelry box dates to about the 1960's and I think this is a good date, especially by looking at the lining.