tetfu

Tetfu, also known as Tetfu-kō or Tetfu-kōsha, is a Japanese term often translated as "copper-plate printing" or "copper engraving." It refers to a historical printing technique that utilizes engraved copper plates to produce images and text. The process involves incising a design into a copper plate, which is then inked. Excess ink is wiped away, leaving ink only in the incised lines. Paper is then pressed onto the inked plate, transferring the image.

This method was particularly popular during the Edo period in Japan for producing illustrated books, woodblock prints, and other artworks. While woodblock printing was more common, copperplate printing offered a distinct aesthetic with finer lines and smoother tonal gradations. It allowed for greater detail and a different kind of richness in printed images compared to woodcuts. The use of copper also meant that plates could withstand repeated use, although the engraving process itself was labor-intensive. Tetfu was often employed for printing maps, scientific illustrations, and fine art prints where intricate detail was paramount. The technique's prevalence varied, and it coexisted with other printing methods, contributing to the diverse visual culture of historical Japan.