What are the three distinctive types of woodcarvings?

The three distinctive types of woodcarvings are indeed classified as high-relief, low-relief, and flat. High-relief carving means that the design protrudes significantly from the background, creating a dramatic effect where substantial depth and shadow are present. Low-relief carving, on the other hand, has a shallower depth and the figures appear only slightly raised above the background, giving a more subdued effect. Flat carving involves designs that are almost completely level with the surface and often includes incised lines or patterns, which enhances the beauty of the wood grain while maintaining a simple aesthetic.

Other choices can be misleading as they combine techniques or categories that don't distinctly represent the types of woodcarvings recognized in traditional woodwork. For example, engraving involves cutting designs into wood but is not a woodcarving technique in itself, rather it’s a method of decoration. The integration of inlay also refers to placing materials into carved voids rather than the carving process itself. Thus, the specificity of high-relief, low-relief, and flat as a classification of woodcarvings helps one understand the varied artistic expressions that can be achieved in this medium.