Most carved and filigreed bone-veneered furniture and objects produced during the second half of the 18th century in Russia were manufactured at the northern seaport of Archangelsk. The royal manufactory specialised in the production of furniture veneered in bone gathered in the nearby Arctic Sea from the tusks of walrus. Bone-veneered objects were also manufactured in the towns of Kholmogory and the surrounding villages of Kurostrovy and Ukhtostrov. This bureau relates to a small number of bone-veneered pieces with similarly pierced panels including a cabinet in the collection of the Hermitage (see Russian Furniture in the Collection of the Hermitage, 1973, figs. 37-38). Other bureau cabinets are illustrated in I.N. Ukhanova, Rez 'ba Po Kosti F. Rossii XVIII-XIX Vekov, 1981, pp. 69, 71, 72).

Related examples were sold in these Rooms, 18 May 1990, lot 24 and 30 April 1986, lot 55.