a process by which a stamp’s <#design> is cut into a metal <#die>. The design is then transferred to a <#tranroll=transfer roll> and then from the transfer roll to a printing <#plate>. The recesses created by transferring the design to the plate are filled with ink in the printing process. Paper that is forced under pressure into these recesses picks up ink, thus reproducing the design on the paper. A distinguishing characteristic of the engraving process is that the dried ink on the printed sheet has texture that can be felt by lightly touching the surface with a fingernail or a pair of stamp tongs. Although few modern stamps are printed by the engraving method, it was the dominant method of stamp production until well into the middle of the 20th century.