The Art of Bondage | Shibari and the West

BDSM did not become popular in the East until the late 19th-century. But when it began to catch on, it brought Shibari, the art of bondage, to Western culture. Shibari is a form of erotic rope bondage that plays a significant role in a lot of BDSM photography.

The Origin of Rope Bondage

Before rope bondage was used for pleasure it was used for pain. The precursor to Shibari is the Japanese art of Hojõjutsu. Samurai used Hojõjutsu to restrain and torture their prisoners with a rope or cord.

While Hojõjutsu has a practical purpose, it places a lot of focus on aesthetics and symbolism. The specific tying and placement of knots honours the prisoner. It varies depending on the status of the captured person(s) and the reason for their restraint.

An accused prisoner, for instance, was tied without knots to avoid public shame before the judicial system decided their guilt.

Rope bondage requires an intimate knowledge of the human anatomy to understand how to tie the ropes in a manner that is both effective and aesthetically pleasing. Elaborate and beautiful techniques were signs of respect and skill.

By the end of the 19th-century an offshoot of the art, Kinbaku had emerged. This took the principles of Hojõjutsu but applied them for erotic purposes. Artists used simple geometric shapes that accentuate the shape of the body or to convey meaning.

Adoption Into Western BDSM Art

Kinbaku made its way into Western BDSM culture during the 1990s, where it is commonly known as Shibari. This use of rope bondage remains a popular erotic art today.

Shibari has become an erotic performance art. Artists put on live shows where the audience can witness the binding and tying, as well as admire the finished bondage piece. The artists ties the ropes and places the knots with forethought to create an artful, aesthetic result.

BDSM photographers often use rope bondage to capture evocative still frames. These erotic prints are in high demand as a skilled artist and photographer can capture a powerful, beautiful scene.

Artists use dozens of tying patterns with multiple variations of each. Depending on the image they want to convey, or the sensation they want to give the tied subject, they may use symmetrical or asymmetrical patterns.

Some of the varying themes of rope bondage in BDSM art include:

• Exchange of Power
• Beauty
• Relaxation
• Pleasure
• Vulnerability
• Strength
• Submission

Purpose of Bondage Art

The purpose and goal of bondage art are different for all parties involved. The model receives physical and sensual pleasure. The artist presents a mastery of craft. The audience gets sexual gratification and appreciation of the art.

The “captive” model is an active participant in bondage art. The correct application of Shibari provides physical, sexual, and perhaps spiritual pleasure. Knot placement activates pressure points that provide a massage-like release, as well as stimulating the flow of ch’i energy.

Proper rigging can induce a euphoric state by causing a release of endorphins and adrenaline. In bondage photography, the photographer may attempt to capture this state of “rope-drunkenness” in still frame.

The mastery of the artist is on display both in their ability to provide these results in the model and in the overall aesthetic appeal of the bondage. The rigger must balance form and function, creating an ideal display for both the artist and the audience.

The audience gets to appreciate the beauty and skill of the rigging. The art evokes erotic pleasure through the presentation itself as well as by living vicariously through the model.

Shop Bondage BDSM Art

There is an increasing desire to decorate the home with nude art. Bondage is an especially provocative art form. It can create a striking display, or increase the level of intimacy in a room. Shop our BDSM photography collection for bondage art prints and originals.