Egyptian furniture Flashcards
What are the three (four) major divisions of ancient egypt?
Early dynastic (3100-2575 BC)
Old Kingdom (2574-1938)
Middle Kingdom (1937-1540)
New Kingdom (1540-1085)
What kinds of tools were used to make furniture?
copper tools such as Adzes, chisels, saws, engraving tools, and awls
What elements of design were considered to be standardized?
typology
symbolism\decoration
materials
methods of construction
How was symbolism applied?
-Both in form and applied decoration
-Often related to power of the pharaoh or everlasting life
What were the common leg form symbols?
- during early dynastic it was a bulls leg and hoof
- during old, middle, and new kingdom, lions leg and paw were popular
How was structural symbolism represented?
Usually through the incorporation of hyrogliphics
What does decorative symbolism mean?
Often low relief carving and inlay
What were common materials used?
- some imported woods
- expensive parquetry (ebony and ivory)
What were some joint techniques developed?
- Scarf joint with key
- Streched leather straps
- Mortise and tenon
- Butt joint
- Half lap joint
What were the three stool types?
- straight leg
- animal leg
- folding X leg
How did chair types vary?
Often based on social stature
What were the differences in chairs between old and new kingdoms?
- old Kingdom chairs were cubic, low and wide with vertical back panel and lions leg and paw leg
-new kingdom chairs had concave backrest, triangular openings, rounded stretchers, distinctive carvings at top of legs, and lion leg
What are common characteristics of storage?
- size and form differ according to function
- typically rectangular box with short or tall legs
What were bed characteristics?
- only 12” above ground and 69” long
- downward curve with carved foot baord
- used headrest instead of pillow
What were the most important leg forms?
- lions
- Bull
