Shibari/Kinbaku

[Netzach]

Is there a difference between Shibari and Kinbaku or are they the same thing?

Shibari is actually a word that has to do with binding but it was a clumsy western borrowing - the term has to do with binding/joining in a stuctural or artchitecture/engineering context. If you want to say "bondage" in a way that's intelligible to a Japanese person "Kinbaku-bi" will make sense.

I liken "Japanese Bondage" to california roll. Technically, it's not normal sushi, but you'll find it in just about every place that serves sushi and it's not especially worth noting how much of a bastardization it is, it's just there.

It's a global adaptation of a Japanese art form, ever shifting, and borrowing happens back and forth in both east and west directions, with different styles and methods being brought to the fore by people all over the world. Some contemporary bondage is what anime and "super flat" art is to Hokusai prints.

 

[culloden]

Shibari photos

David Lawrence has some wonderful photos at www.shibariartphotography.com. The ropework is outstanding, as is the man's career choice.

 

[Evil_Geoff]

Okay... let's try to post some of my own... *grin*
Hope you enjoy...

 

[Inconsequential]

I would like very much to meet and discuss Kinbaku with others.

There are several great books by midori on the subject, and if there are specific questions you have on the subject I'll try to answer them.
Are you going for the asthetics ideal or the torture ideal side of it?
Have you experimented long? have you incorporated spreader bars yet?
Anyway... let me know what you wanted to discuss... i'm open.