The Beauty of Kinbaku by Master "K"A Review by Master Tatu December 12, 2008
His first book “The Art of Shibari” by Secret Press, a bi-lingual work (German / English), was filled with beautiful images of classic ties; with brief explanations and history sold out quickly back in 2004. We were all left with a hunger for more. Many who waited to purchase missed out on a great opportunity. I have been teaching a Power Point presentation at conventions and events for a number of years around the country on the rope history and culture of Japan, so I was most anxious to read the first section of his book on this topic. No question Master "K" does a masterful job in some 80 pages of discussing the various aspects of Japanese culture and society, which have played a role in the development of what has come to be known as Kinbaku or Shibari. It was a great honor to find that Master “K” included a Ukiyo-e image in his book (p. 27) which I had provided him from my own collection where he discusses the role of Kabuki. It is a print that was a gift in 2001 from a couple who had taken=2 0one of my weekend workshops. Then Master "K", does a section on twenty-five key figures in the shaping of the erotic uses of rope in Japan. Some will be familiar with names like Itoh Seiyu, Nureki Chimuo, Yukimura Haruki, Ozuma Kaname, Osada Akechi, Denki Akechi, Arisue Go, and Randa Mai. Those who are into Japanese cult movies will know names like Oniroku Dan, author of Hanna no Hebi (Flower and Snake) and its star Naomi Tani, an actress who would become known as the queen of Japanese SM. She would also star in the classic “A Wife to be Sacrificed”; both Roman Porno films of the 70’s from 'Nikkatsu Studio". Not only does Master "K" skillfully discuss these famous personalities, but he shares rare information on a number of other individuals not as familiar to most in the west. One figure also skillfully profiled is my favorite author and expert on the art of Hojojutsu, Nawa Yumio. The next section is reflective of his first book filled with large color images of his personal bondage works; many historic and classic Kinbaku / Shibari forms for us to enjoy, capturing the energy of this breathtaking Japanese art form. Readers will certainly find this center section of some 100 pages a most exciting and enjoyable part of the book. Then the author provides an excellent glossary of terms to help the truly dedicated student of the art further understand linguistically what they may be seeing and reading in this volume or around the web as they explore. Finally Master "K" offers a brief "how to" section. After some safety admonitions, he shares with us excellent tutorials of three classic forms. the Takate-kote, the Agura, and the Hishi. Comprising only 8 pages we are left wanting more. Perhaps the only criticism I have is that the images in this section were small and in black and white; difficult in some ways to follow. This section is followed by an extensive bibliography. In short, if you are looking for an extensive tutorial lesson book this is not it; but if you are a history or visual arts lover like me, you will devour this book. It is monumental in this respect, as it is the 1st published work in English to give us such a rich understanding of the history of bondage in Japan. Master "K" subtitled this book: "Everything you ever wanted to know about Japanese erotic bondage when suddenly realized you didn’t speak Japanese”. With that20I think kudos need be given to him and his several excellent translators for their fine work. One that I happen to know is Faviola Liervu, a lovely lady I first met in 2005 at Shibaricon and was gracious enough to share in Chado (Japanese Tea Ceremony) demonstration with me. Master "K" you are a blessed soul to have her assistance in this great project. Well done my friend. The Beauty of Kinbaku is a hard bound coffee table styled book with 192 pages. Images are mostly in color and some black and white. The book is $89.99 plus shipping and handling.
The Beauty of Kinbaku is available only through the Internet at: http://www.thebeautyofkinbaku.com
Kind Regards,
Tatu
Click the image for more information: Purchase Master K's New Book
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