The central part of the bureau is a writing desk with a lid that when closed resembles the slope of a roof. The lid comes down to reveal the interior with a little cabinet in the middle. The internal facade of the bureau is decorated with paired bronze columns supporting an entablature. Within the open arches framed by bronze profiles and garlands we can see drawers with fronts in a series of steps. In the centre is a little bronze door in the form of a miniature wall of some hall with Catherine's beloved Italian greyhound lying by the door. The Empress was very fond of animals. She kept a monkey, a cat and several generations of dogs - "the Thomas family". It was these pets who ate the thick cream, biscuits and sugar served for breakfast, while Catherine drank very strong coffee.