Kõrgtrükis

Kõrgtrükis, also known as relief printing, is a family of printing techniques where the image is printed from a raised surface, as opposed to an intaglio or flat printing method. In kõrgtrükis, the printing plate has a raised surface that carries the ink, while the areas that are not meant to be printed are cut away or recessed. When ink is applied to the plate, it adheres only to the raised areas. Then, paper is pressed against the inked plate, transferring the ink to create the printed image.

The most common and historically significant form of kõrgtrükis is woodcut. In woodcut, an image is carved into the surface of a block of wood. The artist carves away the areas that should remain white in the final print, leaving the desired image in relief. Another important technique within kõrgtrükis is linocut, which is similar to woodcut but uses linoleum as the printing surface. Linoleum is softer than wood, allowing for more fluid lines and a less physically demanding process. Letterpress printing, widely used for books and newspapers for centuries, is also a form of kõrgtrükis, utilizing raised metal type.

Kõrgtrükis techniques are characterized by their distinct visual qualities. Prints often have a bold, graphic appearance with strong contrasts between inked and uninked areas. The texture of the printing material can also be evident in the final print. While woodcut and linocut are frequently used in fine art and illustration, letterpress continues to be appreciated for its artisanal quality in specialized printing applications.