A Published Egyptian Chert Burnisher, Old Kingdom, ca. 2575 - 2134 BCE

Burnishing in ancient Egyptian jewelry-making was an essential technique to achieve a smooth, glossy finish on metal or stone surfaces. The process was done using a burnisher, a hard, smooth tool made from materials like bone, stone, or metal, such as this fine example with its elongated ovoid form, rounded ends, and highly polished surface. The burnisher was used to polish and smooth the surface of the jewelry after it had been shaped and detailed, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

In ancient Egypt, this technique was used to perfect the appearance of materials like gold, copper, and even semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli and turquoise, which were commonly incorporated into jewelry. For metals like gold, burnishing helped to achieve a bright, reflective surface, which was highly prized in Egyptian culture as it symbolized the sun and the gods' divine light. Published: American Art Association/Anderson Galleries Inc, The Garrett Chatfield Pier Collection of Egyptian Antiquities, William Bradford Press, New York, 1936, pg. 14, lot #62 (part). 

Medium: Chert (flint)

Dimensions:  Height:  5 1/2 inches (14 cm)

Condition: Intact and in very good condition overall

Provenance: Garrett Chatfield Pier Collection, acquired in Luxor in 1902. American Art Association/Anderson Galleries sale: The Garrett Chatfield Pier Collection of Egyptian Antiquities (formerly exhibited at Yale University), New York, 6 March 1936, lot 62 (part). Sold to William Royall Tyler (1910-2003) on March 21, 1936.