nyomókötéssel

Nyomókötéssel, also known as impression binding, is a bookbinding technique characterized by its decorative embossing rather than the use of ink or gold tooling for ornamentation. In this method, patterns or designs are pressed directly into the cover material, typically leather or parchment, using heated tools. This creates a raised or indented relief that adds a tactile and visual dimension to the book's binding.

The process often involves a sequence of heated metal tools, each bearing a specific motif. These tools are carefully applied to the cover material, which is often dampened to make it more pliable and receptive to the impression. The heat from the tools causes the material to shrink and warp slightly, creating a permanent indentation or raised effect. Nyomókötéssel can range from simple geometric patterns to intricate pictorial scenes, depending on the skill of the binder and the complexity of the design.

This technique was particularly popular during certain historical periods, often associated with the late medieval and Renaissance eras in Europe. It offered a way to embellish books without the expense of gilding or the need for painted illumination on the cover. The resulting bindings are prized for their craftsmanship and the unique textural quality they impart to the book. While less common today in mass production, nyomókötéssel is still practiced by some artisanal bookbinders and conservators.