Very rare in this small single door form, a very closely related japanned bureau cabinet can be sene on display with the National Trust at Felbrigg Hall in Norfolk (NT 1398392).

John Stalker and George Parker were responsible for publishing, in 1688, the earliest book in English on the subject of European lacquer entitled A Treatise of Japanning and Varnishing. This influential publication offered recipes, technical advice, and ‘above an Hundred distinct Patterns for Japan-work in Imitation of the Indians, for Tables, Stands, Frames, Cabinets, Boxes, &c’. In the treatise they explain that the high gloss finish for lacquer has such an effect that ‘no amorous Nymph need entertain dialogue with her glass or Narcissus retire to a fountain’. The publication listed eight possible ground colours for japanned furniture, including green.

Japanned work had several advantages over imported lacquer pieces as it was at the time often less expensive and provided an opportunity to create designs that conformed more to European taste and fashion. Nevertheless, japanning was still a costly process and these objects tended only to be found in only the wealthiest households.