An embossing device for embossing a single-ply or multi-ply web of tissue paper includes a first steel roll with embossing protuberances on its peripheral surface and a second roll with a yielding layer on its peripheral surface. The second roll cooperates with the steel roll so as to form an embossing nip therewith. The steel roll and the second roll run in synchronization. The second roll has individual zones on its peripheral surface with a higher overall thickness and/or different material characteristics of the yielding layer compared to that of the remaining peripheral surface. These individual zones are opposed in the embossing nip to embossing protuberances of the steel roll.