Tooling. Impressing the design or pattern in gold leaf, with finishing tools, by hand. Blind Tooling. The impression of finishing tools without gold leaf.
Specimen decorative backs for half or full leather bindings.
Edition work or single volumes.
Interpretation of Styles
ALDINE OR ITALIAN
Ornaments of solid face without any shading whatever, such as used by Aldus and other early Italian printers. The ornaments are of Arabic character. A style appropriate for early printed literature.
GROLIER
An interlaced framework of geometrical figures—circles, squares, and diamonds—with scrollwork running through it, the ornaments which are of Moresque character, generally azured in whole or in part, sometimes in outline only. Parts of the design are often studded with gold dots. Time, first half of the 16th century.
MAIOLI
A style prior to and contemporary with the early (Italian) examples of the Grolier. Generally composed of a framework of shields or medallions, with a design of scrollwork flowing through it. Portions of the design are usually studded with gold dots. Ornaments are of Moresque character.