Looking at still images and videos depicting the art of ‘shibari,’ it’s hard to not think of sex. While its origin is deeply rooted in the sexual practice popular in late Edo-period Japan, shibari is also regarded as an art form which can be used for spiritual healing.

To find out more about this sensuous Japanese art form, EQ sits down with Phertcharada “Minor” Pacharee, rope artist and owner of FB page Unnamedminor, her partner Nap Pakanat and model Waleerat “Pailin” Lomkom

Minor told us that she became interested in shibari around ten years ago. Working as a writer and reviewer of underground films, she had access to BDSM materials and eventually got introduced to the rope bondage scene. She decided to practice shibari in hopes that it’d help her cope with depression.

Bondage is understanding, open-mindedness, and bliss

Minor: Shibari is all about understanding. If you don’t approach it without love and understanding, it won’t mean anything. When we’re passionate about something, we strive to understand it more and that’s where true happiness lies. I understand the tools I’m using, my models and my girlfriend who’s a musician.  

Pailin: Getting tied up feels amazing and sensual. Even when I’m all bound up, gagged or having candle drippings sprinkled on me, I don’t feel any pain at all. The only sensation I get is a blissful thrill.

Minor: I can sense what she likes and I give her that ‘consent’ to do so. The fact that we have a mutual understanding is the most important. Everything needs to be discussed beforehand. I always tell the models that they shouldn’t come to a shoot just because they want to be photographed or follow the trend. Don’t do it just because it’s a novelty or for the sole purpose of wanting me to want to make them horny.

Nap: I started out being tied, but gradually I became the master. My work already requires me to do a lot of tying and shibari is like another version of it. It deals with human anatomy. Back when I used to get tied, I wasn’t that into ropes and stuff like that. I just allowed myself to be open minded with everything — candle, whip, rope or suspension bondage. Once your mind’s open, it’s up to you to decide for yourself whether or not you can appreciate it for what it is. I feel we shouldn’t approach these things with a preconceived idea. What we’re feeling in that moment is what counts. (Nap wasn’t in the BDSM scene when he used to get tied).

Unnamedminor Facebook page

Minor: I grew up in an oppressive society and I always felt like I wasn’t accepted by my family. I aimed for ‘Unnamedminor’ to be a community for like-minded individuals, for those who struggle with the same issues as I am. It’s meant as a safe zone for shibari enthusiasts who might be judged for their kink elsewhere. I wanted it to be a platform where people can come together to share their knowledge. I believe that happiness is the ability to accept yourself for who you truly are. If anyone wants to give this art form a try, we have a monthly shibari event and you can check the details on our page.

The life-saving power of shibari 

Minor: One day as I was scrolling through Facebook, I sensed that something was a little off with one of my long-time followers. Later, I decided to send her a DM, asking if she wanted to come visit me. I said “if you love shibari like me, let’s give it a try. I’ll cover the cost for you.” After our session, I felt that she is now in the better headspace. I’m not saying I can cure depression, but I see rope bondage as a kind of self care. I’m glad that I was able to help someone who was struggling.

Bound by rope and music 

Minor: When I was starting out, I would just buy random ropes from everywhere. People at the shop would be like, “You’re not planning on committing suicide, are you?” I was like, nooooo! I mean, I was pretty clueless then. Admittedly, it was very difficult to find a master who would be willing to train me. I didn’t have any other choice but to keep experimenting on my own. Then I got to know someone in a BDSM circle and that’s where I actually began to learn.

It’s extremely dangerous to use normal ropes. You risk becoming disabled or even death if you use the wrong tools or fail to take the necessary safety precautions. Apart from the technical know-how, you need to know about consent, negotiations, and setting rules. As for the ropes,  Japanese ropes made from hemp or jute should only be used for this purpose.

The soundtrack to shibari 

Nap: I play guitar, sor, seung and phin. I played a lot of Thai instruments when I was in school and phin, in particular, has become my main instrument. Since I’m familiar with all these Thai instruments and I know that I can play phin well, I thought that I’d try to promote and spread a bit of culture in this scene. At first, I only followed conventional chords, playing in a conservative style, but it didn’t really work out. Eventually, I learned to adapt my playing so that it could fit the performance better. I don’t even have to be super experimental as long as everything is harmonious.

Trolling? No problem.

Minor: If someone is being a troll, then I’ll be a troll right back at them (laughs). As long as they don’t go so far as to harass my models or my partner, I don’t really pay attention to them. I mean, they don’t even know me, so why should I care?

There’s no end to learning the art of shibari. It’s a kind of hobby where you constantly learn new tricks. The way you tie a plus size model will be different from that of a slimmer one. You also have to take into account the model’s health. It’s a challenge with each model, but as long as you’ve gained enough understanding of this art form, you can adjust it however you see it. 

Advice for the newbies

Minor: If you want to try it on yourself, you have to consider the risks involved. If you’re planning to perform shibari on someone else, consent must come first. A distinction must be made between people who are genuinely interested in the craft and predators, and that’s why consent is so important. We don’t allow people under 20 to participate. However, an exception may be made if they’re accompanied by their parents. We actually had a 17-year-old come to our last event with her mom. I was ok with that. 

Changing the mindset

Minor: While most people are still unaware of it, the Thai BDSM scene is quite big. I think most people still have the preconceived notion that we’re being oppressed, especially us women. While it can’t be denied that shibari stems from the need for sexual gratification, it’s up to us to see it in an artistic light. We do it from our own perspective and there’s a process in place to make sure that it’s not exclusively about sex.

"People still see shibari as a sexual taboo even after four years of me trying to educate them otherwise. They insist on sexualizing it and it’s getting worse now that it’s become a bit of a trend. I don’t mind people sending me ideas for a photoshoot, but sometimes that turns into harassment. I feel like, more and more, Thai people are lacking basic manners, especially when it comes to topics like sex. I’m not ok with that.” 

-- Minor

Nap: Sex is normal for human beings. No matter what kind of art you make or lifestyle you lead, you can inject a bit of sexiness into everything. Something might be dictated by social value, but it’s all about your own perspective. Everything can become art if you fuse creativity with conventions. There’s a process involved.

"Acceptance and freedom enable us to create." -- Nap

Care and safety come first 

Minor: Whatever comes in contact with human skin has to be the safest. The rope might be tied over some fabric, but it does move during suspension. It’s pure fantasy what you see in an AV movie and that doesn’t apply in real life. My model’s the one who teaches me about safety.

The delicate art of shibari

Minor: Things get challenging when shibari takes place in a dark space with loud music. Once in Khon Kaen, not only was everything so loud, they were blasting a laser beam in my face. It was impossible to control the situation and the model’s leg was also hurting. After every session, there’s the aftercare where we check in with the model and see how she’s doing physically or emotionally. Even though we refrain from explicit verbal communication during the shibari process, we still rely on whispering or body gestures like hand squeezing. It’s crucial to monitor the body language of the model. The heaviest person I’ve ever had in my session was 120 kilograms.

Shibari and accidents

Minor: My former model got hurt and her limbs must have gone weak for about a month. The thing to keep in mind, though, is that shibari is all about mutual consent. It’s very important to have that conversation where we make negotiations and determine limits so that when unexpected stuff like that happens, no one party has to take a sole responsibility.

Save the environment with shibari

Minor: I got sent this brief from artist Teerachat “Tom” Potisit for Japan’s save the whales campaign. The reference was this suspended whale, so I had to think of the ways in which that could be interpreted through the art of shibari. I was stunned when I saw that reference, but everything went well.

Nap: It depends on how you define yourself as an artist. A purist would tell you to tie the rope in particular ways, but that feels very restrictive to me. We’re in the postmodern era and putting yourself in a box won’t lead to self-improvement.

The Forgotten Sea’ (photo credit Tom Potisit Photography

It’s always been Minor and Nap’s goal to try to change the common perception towards shibari. They want the viewer to regard shibari as an art form or craft, not just as photography or pornography. Luckily, people’s mindset has started to shift, which is a positive change.

So, what do you think of shibari?