With japanned decoration throughout, the two tier superstructure incorporating a brass gallery, columns and grills and a pair of short drawers, above a long cedar-lined secretaire drawer incorporating a writing slide, pen tray and various compartments with a pair of cupboard doors below, decorated on the inside as well, revealing an adjustable shelf with moulded front edge, the whole raised on shaped spade feet.

The Chinoiserie decorative scheme created by Frederick Crace (1779–1859) for George IV at the Brighton Pavillion contributed to furniture decorated with japanning continuing to be made through the Regency period. The incorporation of small areas of polychrome within the decoration, together with the pagoda and the figural compositions are typical of the Regency interpretation of Chinoiserie. The rather eccentric drop handles with human masks, which appear to be original, suggest a provincial workshop. Interestingly, it has been suggested that Brighton might have been a centre of production of japanned chinioiserie furniture at this time.