Blind stamp
A blind stamp , also known as a blind stamp or embossing stamp, describes less the tool used for this than the characters embossed with stamps but without color (symbols, ornaments, writing, logo) on certain soft materials. The term is only used where the method of attachment represents an alternative to gold or color stamps, i.e. almost exclusively for paper, ceramics and leather, not for metals (see under hallmarks or silver stamps ), at most, but rarely for wood. The blind stamp is usually attached with pliers.
On paper and card
High-quality printed matter is occasionally provided with blind stamps as a standard, e.g. B. Coats of arms on business cards or logos on letterheads. Individual books and single sheets, e.g. B. Documents or artist graphics are often provided with blind stamps to mark them as a specific property if the visual impression is not to be disturbed. Blind stamps applied to artist graphics can be from the artist, the printer who performed the work or the paper manufacturer. Museums and graphic collectors can also attach their own stamps. Prints from artists' estates can be marked in this way by the estate administrator and the stamp can then be destroyed in order to make unauthorized reprints recognizable. Photographers have occasionally blindly stamped their names on prints or cardboard. Publishers of graphics and manufacturers of high-quality drawing cardboard also blindly stamp their products as proof of origin. In the case of seal brands , the coat of arms is often only embossed to indicate the similarity of function with wax and lacquer seals. Note the difference to the watermark .
On ceramics
Maker's marks, factory marks, model and serial numbers often identify the manufacturer on the underside of porcelain or other ceramics. They were pressed into the still flexible surface of the material before firing.
On leather
The technique of blind stamping was also used for the decorative processing of parchment and leather surfaces, especially for book covers from the early modern period. The terms blind stamping and blind embossing largely overlap here : blind stamping is more the name given to the stringing together of ornamental shapes with small stamps or punches, blind embossing or blind pressing is more likely to be used for cover decorations that are printed by a single press stick. Note the difference to the leather cut technique. If the alternative to blind printing is color stamps for paper and ceramics, gold leaf is often used for leather bindings, which only connects to the leather surface in the indentations of the relief.
literature
- Lexikon der Kunst, Berlin 1981, vol. 1, p. 308 (blind pressing)
