American demand for exotic Chinese imports increased with the onset of direct trading between China and the United States in 1784. George and Martha Washington were particularly fond of lacquerware, acquiring dozens of pieces for themselves and as genteel presents for Mrs. Washington's granddaughters. One of the most fashionable forms was matching sets of dressing boxes. Their shaped bodies nestled against one another in an elegant pattern on top of a ladies' dressing table. Martha Washington may have used this example to store small items such as jewelry or hair pins.

See also dressing box, W-4387, dressing box, W-654, dressing boxes, W-640/A-D, dressing boxes, W-221/B-H, and dressing boxes W-543/A-D.