The solution selected for the restoration of this cabinet is not meant to be a universal treatment, but descriptive of problems linked to the presence of lacquer. The cabinet is described, as is the condition of the decorated surfaces, involving some water damage to the design elements: lacquer, gold dust, mother-of-pearl, tortoise shell, and brass inlay. The structure of the lacquer decoration is examined in detail, and its sensitivity to water analyzed. After taking photographic documentation, restoration decisions were made on the basis of detailed examinations of the damaged areas, using an ultraviolet lamp and a low-power stereo microscope, and the results of solvent tests taken to determine varnish solubility. How the missing decoration was rebuilt is explained as is the process of producing imitation tortoise shell. The missing areas of ground and lacquer necessitated trial and error attempts, and the plaster-type commercial filler Alabastine was used, with a final coat of nitrocellulose applied to the restored areas.