1.
letterpress; movable type printing; typography
A printing method using raised metal or wooden type pieces that are inked and pressed onto paper, or the type pieces themselves.
この本は活版印刷で刷られている。
This book was printed using letterpress.
活版印刷の名刺は独特の風合いがある。
Letterpress-printed business cards have a distinctive texture.
活版印刷は明治時代に日本で広く普及したが、現在では趣味やアートとして再評価されている。
Letterpress printing became widespread in Japan during the Meiji era, and today it is being reevaluated as a hobby and art form.
A compound of 活 (movable/living) and 版 (printing plate/block). The word is short for 活字版 (movable type printing plate). This technology was revolutionary for mass-producing printed text.
Although largely replaced by offset printing and digital methods for commercial use, letterpress has experienced a revival as a craft. Workshops offering 活版印刷 experiences are popular in Japan, and many stationery enthusiasts seek out letterpress-printed postcards and business cards for their tactile quality — the slight indentation left by the type on paper.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 活版印刷: letterpress printing
- 活版印刷機: letterpress printing press
- 活版印刷所: letterpress printing shop
RELATED TERMS:
- 活字: movable type; printed text
- 版画: woodblock print
- 印刷: printing