Tomb and Household Furniture. Egyptian craftsmen were famous for their chairs, stools, beds, and storage boxes, and they improved their techniques in the course of a long history. Almost all of the furniture preserved from ancient Egypt comes from tombs. Some furniture was specifically made for tombs and thus is less functional. Other furniture found in tombs shows signs of wear, demonstrating that it was originally used in households. This household furniture is generally of a higher quality and sturdier than furniture manufactured only for burial.

Early Dynastic Period. British archaeologist W. M. F. Petrie (1853-1942) discovered furniture dating to Dynasties 1 (circa 3000-2800 B.C.E.) and 2 (circa 2800-2675 B.C.E.) at Abydos, Saqqara, and Tarkhan. The legs of both beds and chairs were carved to resemble a bull's legs. Imitation of animal forms in furniture elements continued throughout Egyptian history...