Comparable in form and function to what could be termed a "proto-laptop," a writing slope was a portable wooden writing desk with a sloped folding top and inner compartments for pens, inkwells, paper rollers, rulers, stationary, and documents. This exceptionally fine writing slope is made of richly scented sandalwood with ivory and bone veneer decoration and a thin strip of bison horn veneer on an inner edge. The ivory and bone segments are embellished with incised floral scrolls filled flush with molten black lac, a resinous secretion of the Indian scale insect Coccus Lacca that was commonly used to make shellac and lacquer. The interior of the hinged desk unfolds into the sloped writing surface, which is covered with a now-replacement cotton lining. Veneered or inlaid writing slopes, jewelry boxes, sewing boxes, and larger items such as table bureaus and armchairs were produced at the port of Vizagapatam (modern Vishakhapatnam) on the southeast coast of India. The port was an important trade and furniture manufacturing center on the sea route south of Calcutta from the late 17th century to the mid-20th century. Foreign dignitaries, officials of the English East India Company, expatriate residents, and travelers regularly purchased Vishakhapatnam's writing slopes and other exquisite works as souvenirs of their sojourn in the East. Writing slopes were often paired with writing sets, which typically consisted of an inkstand, pen tray, candlestick holder, and portfolio case.