Black diorite vase from Hierakonpolis. Approx. 2 feet high. Pre-dynastic period c.3200 BC. Manchester Museum.

Stone vases are a distinctive feature of Old Kingdom tomb goods. Some forms existed in prehistoric times, but in several ways, the prehistoric work differs from that of dynastic times. Few types of vase run from one age to the next, although a continuation in form can be seen from the Archaic Period through to the Old Kingdom.

The material is often a clear guide to the date. For example, a translucent diorite vase will almost always date to the Old Kingdom. Some shapes such as the cylinder jar and bowls with re-curved rims are derived from pottery forms, but other stone forms are quite independent, although a general resemblance can be seen between them and the pottery of each period. The cylinder jar, perhaps the only class which is descended from prehistoric times, is derived from the wavy-handled pottery. Other early designs include upright vases in barrel, squat and collared form; different kinds of bowls and handled vases also occur, and imitation shells carved in diorite are derived from the earlier shells used to contain eye-paint.

Stone vases were usually made by grinding. The form was roughly chipped and the surface worked down with sand-blocks. The interior was hollowed out with a drill using different methods for different forms. Generally a large core was drilled out from the centre, and the interior was then ground out with a block, using sand or emery. in some cases, difficulties in producing certain forms were made easier by making a vase in two halves. The drill was weighted with stones to provide extra motive power and the cutting head of these drills was a flint blade shaped like a blunt arrowhead.