This purplewood table utilises parquetry, which is a technique of creating geometric timber patterns for decoration. It has a rectangular top and frieze panels inlaid with utensils, vases of flowers and envelopes (although there are some losses to the veneer). It is described as ‘à ecrire’, meaning with a fitted drawer and ‘Continental’, meaning it was made in continental Europe. It is probably French-inspired and could have been made in Austria, Germany, or Italy, as no identifying stamp or documentation ties it to a Parisian maker or Parisian guild control. It was most likely used as a small occasional table, games table, or writing table. Made in the late 18th century, it is in the style of Topino, which refers to Charles Topino (c. 1742–1803). He was a French ébéniste active in Paris in the Louis XVI period and known for delicate marquetry decoration, with use of purplewood and other contrasting veneers laid out in geometric or lozenge parquetry. Such furniture was very popular, in line with contemporary Neoclassical tastes.