I like the look of milk paint followed by a coat of boiled linseed oil or light oil/varnish.
'glaze' can be anything you like. It's just glorified 'crud' sandwiched in between two layers of finish. I've used thickened oil stain, commercially sold water-based glaze, and oil-based pore-filler, and oil based artist paints. They all work the same. As long as you know your compatibilities or use a thin, spray coat of lacquer or shellac in between, there's little more one needs to know to get the basic effect.
FWIW, I like the box. Finishing well takes time and effort. A multi-layer process like this impresses me the same way sophisticated joinery impresses me even on a piece that may not be to my style.