Definition

Noun A method of printing where the inked surface is the raised portion of a printing plate or block. The image areas stand in relief above the non-printing areas, which are cut away. Ink is applied to the raised surface and then pressed onto paper or another material.

Usage

This term refers specifically to the traditional technique and process. * The artist specialized in relief printing, creating beautiful woodcuts. * Relief printing is one of the oldest forms of printmaking, including woodblock and letterpress.

Advanced Usage

• As a general category: The term can encompass various specific techniques where the matrix is carved to create a raised image.
  • Woodcut, linocut, and wood engraving are all forms of relief printing.

Variants and Related Words

• Letterpress (n): A mechanical printing process using movable type and relief printing plates.
• Woodcut (n): A relief printing technique where an image is carved into the surface of a block of wood.
• Linocut (n): A relief printing technique using a sheet of linoleum as the carving surface.
• Relief print (n): The individual printed image produced by the relief printing process.

Synonyms

• Surface printing
• Block printing (though this can sometimes refer more specifically to printing from a single carved block)

Related Terms and Concepts

• Intaglio (n): The opposite printmaking method, where ink is held in incised lines below the plate's surface.
• Planography (n): A printing method from a flat surface, such as lithography.
• Matrix (n): The physical object (e.g., wood block, linoleum block) that is carved to create the printing surface.

Noun

1. printing from a plate with raised characters