Books — Kinbaku: The Art of Rope Bondage by Murakawa

Product Overview

Kinbaku: The Art of Rope Bondage offers a photographic and written exploration of Japanese rope bondage (often called shibari in the West). Nawashi Murakawa provides historical context and the book documents how the practice has evolved as a dramatic and visual art in multiple countries, alongside contributions and images from practitioners and photographers.

Product Highlights

• Examines the history and cultural context of kinbaku, tracing its development over time.
• Explores kinbaku as a performance art with documentation of live events and staged work.
• Includes international perspectives with chapters on the UK, Russia, Canada, the USA, and Japan.
• Features photographic portraits and written accounts from models, photographers, and rope experts.
• Chapters with Japanese contributors present text in both Japanese and English.

Safe Use

This book presents documentary, historical, and photographic material rather than an authoritative safety manual. Rope work carries physical risk; anyone interested in practicing should seek hands-on instruction from experienced teachers, prioritise clear consent and communication, monitor circulation and wellbeing, and have a safe, agreed signal and a lightweight cutting tool available for emergencies. Use the book as reference and context, and follow specialist safety guidance before attempting practical techniques.

Care and Storage

Store the book upright on a shelf away from direct sunlight and damp conditions. Handle pages with clean hands to avoid staining and keep liquids and oils away from the cover and pages. For long-term storage, place in a cool, dry location and avoid bending or pressing heavy objects on the book.

Frequently Asked Questions

What content and perspectives does this book include?

The book covers historical context, performance and visual presentation of kinbaku, international developments, a modern live performance in Tokyo, and traditional Japanese techniques, illustrated with photographs and personal accounts.

Which languages are included?

Most text is in English; chapters contributed by Japanese authors include text presented in both Japanese and English.

Is this book a practical how-to guide for learning rope techniques?

While the book illustrates techniques and traditions through photographs and descriptions, it is primarily documentary and contextual. For hands-on learning, consult qualified instructors and dedicated safety resources before attempting rope work.

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