This design for a toilet table appeared as plate number 118 in The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director. In his plate description, Chippendale names this design as ‘A Toilet, or Dressing-Table for a Lady’. This design is extremely elaborate and Chippendale describes that ‘The Ornaments should be gilt in burnished Gold; or the whole Work may be japanned, and the Drapery may be Silk Damask, with Gold Fringes and Tassels.’ Toilet tables were popular furnishings during the 18^th century and originated from the French public dressing ceremony known as the levee or toilette. In this design, the elaborate curved forms demonstrate the popularity of the rococo style which, also inspired by French precedents, was characterised by curved forms, asymmetry and natural motifs. The rococo style became popular from around 1730.

Thomas Chippendale was a fashionable designer and cabinet-maker in the eighteenth-century, providing furniture to such famous contemporary figures as David Garrick. His company produced high-quality furniture, including some key masterpieces, but Chippendale's outstanding skill was in design. His pattern-book The Gentleman and Cabinet-Maker's Director went through three editions in the 1750s and 60s and inspired trade catalogues and pattern-books from fellow designers. Usually produced by architects, a large, elegant pattern-book was an ambitious project for a craftsman at this time. The Director showed the full range of furniture available in the eighteenth century, and the range of styles that were fashionable. Chippendale created a trademark fusion of rococo style with Chinese and gothic elements, which was the basis of 'English' rococo. His style influenced furniture design in contemporary Europe and colonial America, and had a marked Victorian revival in England. The Director designs were the main source for Chippendale's high reputation until his furniture was first identified in 1906.