From the late 18th century the range of items being decorated in lacquer increased with the introduction of new European designs, such as secretaires, sewing tables, desks and writing boxes. These new forms were in response to international trade and the demands of its traders, who requested new shapes and styles of decoration. Green velvet seems to have been the preferred lining for Japanese objects made for the European market.

An elegant French-fashioned portable writing desk, appropriate for travelling in any part of the world, featured on the trade-sheet issued by the Strand cabinet-maker and portable desk manufacturer Thomas Handford (fl. 1804-40), who advertised that Order for the East or West Indies were punctually executed (C. Gilbert, Marked London Furniture 1700-1840, Leeds, 1996, p.255).

For more about the writing desk and some examples, see:
Oliver Impey and Christiaan Jorg, Japanese Export Lacquer 1580-1850, (Amsterdam, 2005), p.213.