Bondage has been a part of human activity for centuries in sexual and nonsexual forms. In its nonsexual form, bondage is ‘the state of being a slave.’ This type of bondage was often seen in ancient civilizations, where it was used as a way to restrain prisoners or slaves.
The second meaning of bondage is ‘sexual’ and refers to the practice of tying up one’s partner with ropes, chains, or cloth during sexual activity. This strict form of bondage can be achieved by tying the hands or feet together, tying the hands to a bedpost or other object such as a spreader bar, and handcuffing.
With its long and complex history as a form of punishment or a means of control, bondage has become an increasingly popular kink and form of sexual expression in BDSM. The “B” in BDSM stands for “Bondage,” which indicates the importance of bondage within the BDSM community today.
This blog post explores the history of bondage, and describes its journey from punishment to pleasure, from its ancient roots to its modern-day kink. So dive in and explore the history of bondage with me!
EDO Period in Japan (1603-1868): Rise of Bondage
While the origins of sensual bondage are challenging to pinpoint, it is believed to have emerged in the EDO period (1603-1868). The EDO period was a period of great political stability and economic growth and saw Japan’s arts and culture flowering. During this time, there was a strong focus on traditional arts and culture, and the Japanese bondage tradition is thought to have originated during this period. During the EDO period, a practice known as “kinbaku,” was used as a form of punishment for criminals. This involved tying the person up in a particular way using various knots and ropes.
Seiu Ito, a researcher, is recognized as the “father of Kinbaku” and is credited with the inception of this art form. Ito’s research work laid the foundation for the development of Kinbaku as an art form, and his influence can still be seen in modern practitioners.
Practically, Kinbaku is believed to be developed from “Hojojutsu,” a Japanese martial art that focuses on using restraints and rope tying. Hojojutsu was also known as “the art of controlling persons by the use of ropes,” “the art of binding persons,” or “the art of restraining persons.” Hojojutsu was initially developed to restrain and transport prisoners of war. This practice reached its peak when the Tokugawa shogunate (a feudal military government in Japan) established strict controls over the movement of people and goods across the country. During this time, hojojutsu was used by the shogunate’s law enforcement officials to capture and transport criminals and political dissidents.
During this time, the pleasure quarters also became popular, and Japanese bondage began to be used as entertainment for the wealthy and powerful. Japanese bondage was typically characterized by using natural fibers such as hemp and jute. These materials were cut into lengths of approximately 7.6m or 25 feet to restrain a person. Natural fibers were used in Japanese bondage because they were strong and durable. They were also less likely to irritate the skin.
Late 19th Century to Early 20th Century: Sexualization of Bondage
Bondage history in the years following the EDO period is primarily marked by the rise of the Meiji Restoration in 1868, which ended the shogunate system of government and ushered in a new era of modernization.
During the Meiji period, Western culture began to influence Japan, and Kinbaku became more sexualized. Photographs and illustrations of Kinbaku started to appear in magazines and books, and the practice became more well-known. The practice of kinbaku eventually began to be used for pleasure. Individuals who engaged in bondage began to do so in a more sexualized way. In particular, they started to use ropes and chains to achieve a more “erotic” look.
In the following century (20th century), rope bondage became increasingly sexualized, with ropes being used to restrain and pleasure lovers in the bedroom. Ropes were used to bind, twist, or otherwise constrict a person’s body. At this time, ropes were not often used in conjunction with other bondage equipment such as gags, blindfolds, or handcuffs, as is the case in modern bondage.
During World War II: Shibari Introduction to the West
During World War II, shibari (a Japanese rope bondage art form that is used similarly to rope Bondage in the modern BDSM scene) was introduced to the West by Japanese soldiers who were taken prisoner by the Allies. Some of these soldiers were members of the Japanese military intelligence agency, the Kempeitai. The Kempeitai were known for their use of torture, and it is thought that they may have used shibari as a means of torture. While it is not known for sure if shibari was used as a form of torture by the Kempeitai, it is clear that the soldiers who were taken prisoner by the Allies were aware of its potential as a tool of torture.
Shibari was roughly translated as “decorative tying,” “aesthetic binding,” “artistic rope work,” or simply the art form of Kinbaku. In Japan, the word was used to describe both the process and the product of tying someone up with rope for decorative or erotic purposes. The process of shibari involved carefully tying the ropes around the body in a specific pattern. The final product was a work of art, with the ropes creating a beautiful, sensual design on the body.
After World War II: Popularization of Sensual Bondage
Bondage became associated with the seedy underside of society in the years following World War II. After the war, some of the soldiers returned to Japan with their prisoners of war, and they continued to practice shibari on them. However, the economy was devastated, and many women were forced to perform simple bondage and other kinky acts to survive. Many of the techniques and devices used today were developed during this time.
Sensual bondage was then highly popularized during the counterculture movement of the 1940s. The counterculture movement of the 1940s was a time when many people began to experiment with alternative lifestyles. Bondage quickly became popular in the underground scene. It was often used in sexual and BDSM clubs to add excitement to the experience. It was also used in pornography, both to add excitement and as a way to depict power dynamics.
One of the earliest and most influential advocates of this practice was American photographer Irving Klaw, who produced several bondage-themed photos and films featuring actress Bettie Page. Klaw’s work helped to popularize the notion of using restraints for sexual pleasure, and by the 1950s, people began to explore their kinky desires in the privacy of their homes.
In the latter half of the 20th century, bondage began to enter the mainstream, thanks partly to the sexual revolution of the 1960s and 70s. This led to increased production of sensual bondage materials, including professional photography and artwork, and amateurs sharing their photos and experiences. As the popularity of sensual bondage grew, so did the number of people who were interested in trying it out for themselves.
The first Japanese bondage magazine, Kitan Club, was published in the 1960s, and more magazines and books followed. SM shows were also held in public baths and other venues and became increasingly popular throughout the 1960s and 70s. Artists such as Osada began performing SM shows, mainly characterized by rope bondage. His work popularized SM among the Japanese public.
By the late 20th century, bondage had become an established part of Japanese sexual culture. There were various ways to engage in bondage, from simple rope tying to more elaborate setups involving chains, cuffs, and gags. In addition, people could be bound in different positions, depending on their preferences.
The 1990s: Popularization of Shibari in the West
In the West, shibari was popularized in the 1990s and had been adapted to refer specifically to the Japanese style of rope bondage, which is characterized by its aesthetic beauty and intricate patterns.
Shibari was often seen as an art form in the West, and practitioners often took a creative approach to rope bondage, using it to express their sexual and sensual desires.
The most crucial aspect of shibari was the emotional connection between the person tying the ropes and the person being tied. The ropes were used to bind, restrain, and tease, and the process of creating the bondage was just as erotic as the final result.
In recent years, shibari has become more mainstream, with books, workshops, and even classes dedicated to the art of shibari.
The Early 2000s: More Elaborate Bondage History
The early 2000s were a decade that saw the rise of more elaborate bondage. This was thanks in part to the popularity of BDSM in mainstream media, as well as the increase in accessibility to bondage gear and information.
One of the most popular trends was using restraints that incorporated both function and aesthetics. This meant that people were not only using restraints that were more comfortable and easier to use but also restraints that looked good.
Another popular type of elaborate bondage introduced at this time was suspension bondage. This involved suspending the body from ropes or another rigging. Suspension bondage was used to create a variety of different positions and can be very visually stunning. It was a very intense experience for both the person being suspended and the people watching.
Finally, the early 2000s also saw the rise of body modification in bondage. This included things like branding, scarification, and piercings. While these were not for everyone, they became increasingly popular as people explored their kinky side.
21st Century: Modern Bondage History
The 21st century has seen a renewed interest in bondage, particularly in the BDSM community. People are exploring different ways to experience bondage, from traditional rope bondage to more modern methods such as steel restraints and silicone cuffs. There is also a growing trend of people using bondage as a way to achieve sexual gratification, either alone or with a partner.
There has been an increasing popularity of BDSM pornography and erotic literature, as well as the rise of public events such as fetish clubs and conventions.
In addition, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of consent and safety in bondage play. This has led to the development of new techniques and safety protocols, as well as a greater emphasis on communication between partners. Modern Western-style bondage typically uses longer ropes mainly made of nylon or cotton ropes. Household furniture is also heavily utilized.
Recent Bondage History
In more recent history, bondage has been used as a sexual fetish or kink, with people using ropes, handcuffs, and other restraints to achieve a heightened sense of sexual pleasure. Nowadays, bondage play is an integral part of BDSM relationships, with couples using it to explore power dynamics and push their boundaries.
There are many ways to experience bondage today. Some people enjoy being restrained, while others find the process of tying someone up to be arousing. There is no right or wrong way to enjoy bondage; it is simply a matter of personal preference. Click here to learn more about the common types of soft bondage you can engage in today. Soft bondage emphasizes sensuality and pleasure over ‘pain’ and ‘punishment’ and is a great way to explore the BDSM lifestyle without the intensity of more extreme forms of bondage plays.
As bondage becomes more mainstream, its history will likely continue to be one of increasing acceptance and exploration.
The Bottom Line
Bondage has ebbed and flowed throughout history, from its origins as a form of punishment to its current status as a popular form of sexual pleasure. Thanks to the efforts of pioneers in the BDSM community, bondage is now widely accepted as a fun and safe way to add excitement to sex life.
Today, bondage can be used as a standalone activity, as a kink, or in BDSM play. In BDSM, people use bondage to gain sexual pleasure from the restraint of their partner. Bondage is still used for nonsexual purposes, such as body art or as a form of self-expression.
But who would have thought that something once regarded as a form of punishment could be so fun and practical today?