The Art of Rope Bondage

Photo credit: PicPuckPhoto

Shibari, Kinbaku(-bi), Japanese rope bondage… whatever you call it, rope bondage takes patience; patience to learn, patience to apply, and patience to receive. 

What we know today as Shibari has its roots in the Japanese martial Art Hojojutsu – a rope restraint technique used by the Samurai to cause deliberate discomfort, and even harm, to prisoners. Even though it was used as a form of punishment, Hojojutsu still had high aesthetic value and was also used to communicate and present the prisoner to the public. Particular knots and ties were used to signify the prisoners’ class and alleged crime with bindings specific for transportation, restraint at legal proceedings, and public displays prior to executions.  

It wasn’t until the end of the Edo period (1600 – 1860) that we see rope bondage used consensually for sensual or sexual purposes. This Artform was developed by painter Seiu Ito (Seiyu Itoh), know also as ‘The Father of Kinbaku’. Ito studied Hojojutsu and drew much inspiration from Kabuki (performance) and Ukiyo-e (woodblock prints) and was an avid historian of the Edo period. It was in his artistic depictions of Edo period bondage that Ito found both fame – creating what we now know as Shibari – and infamy, as he became the target of censors in the 1930’s and was accused of exploiting his pregnant wife by suspending her upside down.

Kinbaku (‘tight binding’) became popular in Japan during the 1950’s through photography magazines and rose in popularity in the ‘60’s with live performances. By the 1990’s, Kinbaku had evolved to became Shibari (‘decorative tying’) though some say this is a misuse of Japanese vocabulary. Today Kinbaku, or Shibari (as most people refer to it now) is still used as an art form. 

I remember the first time I was tied in rope… 

I had seen a post on Twitter from a photographer looking for tattooed models interested in being tied for his ‘Shibarink’ series, showcasing the beauty of shibari and tattoos. I had mutual friends who’d shot with him, so decided to send him a message. 

I had never been properly tied before. I had tried a little light bondage – ankles and wrists tied to the bed – but had never been fully restrained in rough, yet soft jute rope. He took his time, reassured Me that at any moment I didn’t feel safe that he would untie Me. I felt like a puppet, being pulled here and there, dancing, melting, connecting, becoming one with the rope. And thus, My love for rope bondage started, along with a new friendship. 

You can view his gallery here:  https://www.picpuckphoto.com/shibarink

The release of endorphins, sensations of discomfort and restriction, yet also feeling safe, is one reason I enjoy Shibari. I am able to let go, almost into a trance like meditation and be free, knowing I am in expert hands. They don’t want to hurt Me (much) but make Me beautiful. I find it quite liberating feeling the pressure of the rope tighten on My skin. 

But I also have a bratty side. If I can’t get into the meditative state or if I am feeling playful, or the Rigger is behaving playfully I will squirm, trying to escape, I’ll lick, bite, or even try to touch them. One thing I found rather fascinating was as a person who is extremely ticklish, when I am wrapped in rope, I lose all of My ticklish responses! 

Long gone are the days where we bind to cause pain and harm, instead we are very aware that nerve damage and restriction of blood flow can cause some major issues. 

Placement of ropes is extremely important – never place between muscle groups or on bone joints (nerves are plentiful here), but rather on the ‘belly’ of the muscle.

Safety is always key to a successful and enjoyable Shibari session:

As I expand on My learning, I will be able to incorporate more ties to My repertoire: from floor work and binding to objects, to eventually offering suspension sessions. But in the meantime, if you have a curiosity about bondage; whether you would like to experience being tied or would like to learn how to do basic ties, I am available to show you the ropes.