Still lifes of antique and neoclassical vases arranged on floating islands were introduced by the Grand Ducal Workshop in the 1780s, flourished until the early 19th century, and were revived during the 1860s. By then, many Florentine private pietre dure workshops took inspiration from these compositions, often using striking black Belgian marble for the background, a relatively cheap stone used to contrast with the colourful hardstones. Unfortunately, little is known about many of the small workshops of this period, including that of F. Scappini, the creator of the plaque set onto this table. Even though the table was cracked during in earthquake in Los Angeles in the 1990s, it did not affect its quality.

The translucency of the grapes is achieved by using light green agate backed with foil to reflect the light, and that of the pomegranate is most probably created with glass. The delicate pink and white petals of the convulvulus are likely to be made of shell or a pale form of Italian stone called calcedonio di Volterra.

Sir Arthur Gilbert and his wife Rosalinde formed one of the world's great decorative art collections, including silver, mosaics, enamelled portrait miniatures and gold boxes. Arthur Gilbert donated his extraordinary collection to Britain in 1996.