Difference between Shibari and Bondage

They have plenty of similarities but ✨yes they have a lotta difference ✨ This topic is not commonly discussed which is why I'm here hehe🥰 I think it doesn't matter what label u put on each play as long as all parties involved are consented. ❤️

However for the purposes of communication, being clear and specific is 🌸super duper important 🌸 covey a message accurately with clarity. BDSM, relationship, sex is all about communication 💕

🌻In BDSM communication is more than just saying "it's painful" it can't be vague, it highly specific, if it is painful, what type of pain, how is the pain level, where is the pain?

🌻 The submissive/bottom/rope bunny/rope model being tied have to be speak up very clearly to tell their dominant/top/rigger/rope artist

✨ ie. this knot on left hip is tighter than the knot on the right, it feels strangling and squashing/applying pressure on the veins and the rope on wrist are too loose and it is slipping.

Is there a difference between shibari and bondage? Yes.

As long as you are having fun consensually, it doesn't matter what you call them, because I'm into both too. They have similarities and yes they also have BIG differences. It is good to differentiate them. It is good to know and be specific in BDSM to communicate. That's why I made my first post about BDSM to be this particular topic that is rarely discussed.

Shibari

Shibari is also known as artistic bondage or Japanese bondage.

It is an art form, emphasis on the aesthetic of the rope art on the body. Shibari is an erotic form of rope bondage where aesthetics and beauty are a central part of the practice.

Originates from Hojojitsu, a torture technique to restrain criminals in Japan. It is then evolved into an erotic and sensual art form. It focus on the sadomasochistic pleasures and the experience of the rope.

Bondage

Bondage is also known as Western Shibari.

A full or partial mobility limitation a dominant/top/rigger does over their submissive/bottom/rope bunny to restrain their movement. It is the consensual art of being helpless. It is made to sexually enjoy a BDSM sessions or play.

It is done faster compared to Shibari. It does not focus on the aesthetics. Ropes might seem messy. Tying mediums includes synthetic ropes, nylon rope, cotton rope, cords, ropes, silk, collars, chains, tape, cuffs, garters. It also includes sensory restrictions such as blindfold and gag.

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The differences

Mobility

Shibari

May/may not be limited in movements. Movement restriction is not the main focus/pleasure of Shibari. Sexual play can be incorporate with Shibari when the Dominant orders you to go into public while being tied up underneath your clothes🥵

Bondage

The bottom cannot move partially/at all. Being restrained/tied, mobility is 100% limited, that's the main point of bondage. Bottom is restrained to be passive/can't move in a play.

Functionality

Shibari

limitless :) roleplay, punishment, reward, aesthetic contemporary art, sexually as a type of bondage for BDSM session... Play includes sending bottom (with shibari tied on) to go public anticipates for upcoming plays and there are so many things I wanna go in-depth here about Shibari but I can't fit them all in so gonna squeeze them into upcoming topics.

Bondage

Focus on the fixation of a submissive. The beauty of bondage is the helplessness of the bottom. There are power-dynamic involved. The top has dominance/power over the bottom.

Painfulness

Shibari

An experienced top should not deliver much pain. Slight discomfort might occurs such as movement limitation and emotionally vulnerable. Ropes must not apply pressure on veins, joints and nerve endings for safety purposes. Submissive must be able to relax in knots despite any discomfort.

Bondage

Might deliver pain to the bottom depending on the discussion beforehand. I am just gonna say good pain is pleasure :) Aftercare is extremely important to avoid psychological trauma

Aesthetic

Shibari

It is a form of contemporary art. Dominant act as the rope artist; while the Bottom is the canvas for rope art. It emphasise bottom's curves, aesthetics, story-telling and creative process. It is the perfect artistic way and autonomous method in BDSM

Bondage

Has almost nothing to do with art. Personally, I still see it as art, a form of artistic freedom. I views sex as a form of art, an expression of sensuality.

Emotions

Shibari

A slow and scrupulous process. The tying process unites Rigger and Bottom in a psychological way. Emotions play the most important role.

Bondage

BDSM is filled with emotions. Bondage is the best illustration of it. Bondage is a practical usage to restraint movements to anticipate as the first step that leads to other play, ie. role play, CNC,...

Attentiveness

Shibari

All parties involved to give 100% focus/concentrate on each other. Rigger needs to be careful, constantly check-in on the feelings of the bottom. Bottom needs to feel the ropes on their body and be specific (speak clearly) on which knots are feeling tight/loose

Bondage

Less emphasis on concentration instead it focus on fixation, to tie-up/restraint

Time

Shibari

Slow, requires attention to each knot, to avoid hurting the person being tied

Bondage

Time used depends on restraining items, for example handcuffs can be put on within minutes. Restraining items can be everyday items to specialized BDSM accessories/props

Pleasure

Shibari

Visual satisfaction, enjoying the preps, communication, sensual tying process

Bondage

The pleasure comes after it is done, to build up anticipation, IDK how to explain but giving up mobility is my type of pleasure :)

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Regardless of any rope, Shibari or bondage play

All play and activity should be discussed beforehand to make sure everyone is on the same page and to ensure the total safety of the person being tied up.

The person being restrained should not be left alone. They have to be monitored for their breathing, circulation, skin tine, temperature of fingers and toes. And check in from time to time is a must.