Exquisite Art of Shibari

In Japanese, “Shibari” means “to tie”. The contemporary meaning of Shibari describes an ancient Japanese art form of rope bondage. Originally Shibari comes from Hojo-jutsu, the martial art of restraining captive’s in Japan from 1400 to 1700. The police and Samurai at the time used Hojo-jutsu as a form of imprisonment. The honour of the Samurai warriors required them to treat prisoners well and so they used different rope techniques to tie up prisoners, showing the honour and status of their captured prisoner.

There were four rules of Hojo-jutsu:
1. Not to allow the prisoner to slip his bonds.
2. Not to cause any physical or mental injury.
3. Not to allow others to see the techniques.
4. To make the result beautiful to look at.

In the late 1800′s and early 1900′s a new form of erotic Hojo-Justu evolved called Kinbaku, also referred to as the art of Erotic Bondage. Today, particularly in the west, the art of Erotic Bondage is typically called Shibari.

Shibari is an artform showcasing erotic spirituality, not a martial art. Shibari style rope rigging creates geometric patterns and shapes with rope that contrast beautifully with the human body’s natural curves. The ropes and their texture provide contrast to smooth skin and curves.

In Shibari, the model is the canvas, the rope is the paint and brush, and the rigger is the rope artist.

The aesthetic arrangement of ropes and knots on the model’s body in Shibari emphasizes characteristics like sensuality, vulnerability, and strength, thus creating the “sub-space” element derived from edge play and risk associated with rigging and edging.

An important thing to remember in all bondage and BDSM play – including Shibari – is abide to the rules. There are several – play safe, always remember you have freedom of choice. Take care and explore the levels of sexual pleasure.