paint on wood, its possibly lacquer, my Grandfather received a lot of gifts in Japan in the 50’s, more their style.
If that is so , what you have is a Japanese Candle holder with the wood laquered in “Urushi”, the sap from a white Sumac tree ( which is poisonous BTW...pronounced “oorooshee”).
But such laquer ware is made throughout asia. I have many Japanese bows whichi are coated with urushi.Itcan bend with the bow without cracking.
You should find out if it really is urushi.That could lead you to theorogin of the piece.Every Asian country has a dfferent style and tint to its urushi work.