Japanese Shibari Art

Shibari archive for the 'Shibari History' Category

History of Kinbaku Rope

Ever since cheap cotton took over most of the textile industry, other natural fibers lost their market dominance. The USA-inspired witch hunt on cannabis production brought hemp-farming to a complete standstill in the 1980s. As a result, the modern “natural” rope industry produces hardly any 100 percent natural single fiber rope.
For traditional Japanese bondage, use either flax of hemp. Just do not expect to find 100 percent natural, single fiber rope. Good alternatives are:synthetic flax or hemp – used on classic sailboats, hence easy to obtain from ship rigging shops. This is a combination of flax/hemp and synthetic fibers. Provided at least one kernel is removed and the ropes are washed several times, prior to use, this a good and affordable alternative. Climbing rope is fully synthetic and although not “traditional” a very good, affordable, reliable and safe alternative. For ropes with non-twisted kernels the number of kernels should be reduced to one. All ropes should be washed several times, prior to use. Cotton, in terms of rope strength, it is the lowest rope quality. It has an average breaking point of around 50 kilograms (approx. 100 pounds) for 6 mm diameter rope, which makes cotton unsuitable for most rope bondage adventures. It is okay to use it for simple “on body” only bondages though. Hemp, flax or jute are better options, since all are stronger. “Breaking point” means it CAN break at that point, not it WILL break. This makes things quite unpredictable. If Japanese bondage is new to you, synthetic rope is a much better and safer option. One of your best choices is “fallschnur” (a.k.a. “reepschnur”). This is rope, used by mountian climbers as a last resort safety line in case of a fall. It comes in 6 mm diameter, is extremely strong, soft, flexible and easy to use, especially after you have washed it several times.

Shibari History

Origin of bondage in Japan:

 The history of Sokubaku or bondage in Japan begins with illustrations in an art form known as: Hojo-jutsu (the martial art of restraining captives) or Baku-jutsu. To understand this better, we must dig a little deeper.

In the 1700′s Japan was under the Tokugawa Government, four kinds of punishment were common. These were as follows: pressing parts of the prisoner’s body with a heavy rock, the whip, rope restriction and suspension with ropes. Rope was used to create poor circulation, immobility, and humiliating positions for prisoners. Different types of binding and different colors of rope were used to identify the kind of crime the prisoner had committed and the social class he belonged to. It was physically painful and I would assume mentally brutal.

During World War II, the Japanese came into contact with Germans and learned the concepts of the West and legacy of the Marquis de Sade. These were added to the ancient art, its symbol of power, hemp ropes, and the artistic concept of beauty and the art form that we know today as: Shibari came into being. The Shibari art form increased to the point that special theatres were created for it!

As we look at the world today we see Japanese bondage (Kinbaku/Shibari) used for sexual bonding, personal release, and as an image for art.

Japanese bondage is truely a mind stimulating and soul clenching expierience.