This exquisite form of bondage, Nawa Shibari, came from the most practical of beginnings, that of confining prisoners, and extracting information from them. During the Edo period it came, and it was not until recently (1940s) that its use as an incredible erotic art form was realized. The knots are a sight to behold, even beyond the sensual thrill that is felt from being bound so.

Photography by SuicideGirls.

While at first it may appear to be a daunting task, the main focus upon the more complicated of knots is that of layering. A few basic knots are all that are required for trying the practice yourself, the square knot and the overhand knot. The practice itself is said to have hundreds of knots, each with their own symbolism. Time and patience is needed for the labor of winding the rope and knotting it, both keeping it tight enough and making the entire tie a thing of beauty.

There are two basic aspects to the nawa shibari, that of shinju, the ropes that tie around the breasts, and can include other parts as well, such as arms. Also the wrist bonds can be added into the weave. Shinju can be worn throughout the normal day, a reminder of what to anticipate, providing delicious feelings of restraint and pressure. Then there is the Karada, or body harness. This knotting envelopes the body, and ties into the shinju. Another section is called the matanawa, a rope that winds around the waist and rests right in the groin. Occasionally knots are placed strategically here, to provide wonderful sensations from the rough rope, typically hemp for the strength and the tenacity it has for holding knots, as well as the texture.

While many would simply look at this as a neat bedroom trick to try, there is a deeply spiritual and meditative quantity to it, encouraging stillness in the subject, to have it touch the mind as well as rack the body with the most pleasant sensations. Even the most controlled would be hard pressed not to writhe with the tight ropes wrapped around again and again, in intricate diamond shaped patterns that will leave their marks for hours afterwards. To many, this drives them almost instantaneously into their ‘sub space’, an almost trancelike state that a submissive can arrive to upon being wrapped so in their masters will. Nawa Shibari is also a practice of great trust, not only for allowing the one tying to have absolute control, with less chance of working free than western bondage, but also because this method of bondage is also used for suspension. It is said to be the perfect embodiment of the dominant and submissive relationship, incorporating not just the sensual, but the spiritual aspects.

Suspension is one of the main reasons that shibari is so favored. For complete suspension, the knots are positioned advantageously over the rib cage, strong enough to support the body in mid air. Partial suspension is every limb bound but one leg, so the balance is kept strong from that single grounding point. Safety is always key, and as such suspension techniques should not be attempted until you are very experienced at rope play in general, preferably shibari in specific, and to keep an instrument of some sort handy to cut knots loose quickly in case of emergencies. There are a myriad of ways for each individual to portray shibari, as knots can be combined and meshed, all building on a few basic building blocks that produce breathtaking results.

Although the majority of the pictures shown with the various ties of shibari are female, everything can be adapted to suit the needs. There is no rigid structure surrounding the practice, any more than there is that of most sexual practices. Simply find that which you are comfortable with, and enjoy doing. Then the heart can go into the bonds and make the bottom feel as though they are truly being wrapped in your will, and that will drive them absolutely wild.

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