Naughty But Nice

No word evokes strong imagery as bondage does. What other words in the English lexicon can you think of that brings to mind one person’s complete trust and submission to another? Sex toys and ropes aside though, have you ever wondered how the whole thing got started? The quest to unravel the origins of this titillating practise can be an intriguing as learning how to tie a French bowline knot behind your back.

Modern bondage, as we know it, appears to have originated from Japan. Before the western world began experimenting with alternative uses for latex and sex toys, the Japanese had already acquainted themselves with the art of kinbaku, which means “the beauty of tight binding”. Also referred to as sokubaku, the focus was on bonds as an art form, with a human being as the canvas. Sex toys like anal toys were items that were added on when sensitivities that were more western came into play. The practice is also commonly referred to as “shibari”, which means “to tie” or “to bind”.

Shibari can be traced back to hojojutsu of the 18th century, which in turn originated in medieval Japan, where the samurai captured and subdued enemies without the use of weapons, i.e. with rope and in as short a time as possible. For this purpose, the artful and efficient use of natural fibre ropes (jute, hemp or linen) soon took pride of place.

Kinbaku, though, is more than an erotic permutation of an ancient military technique. Enthusiasts and practitioners also drew on influences as diverse as kabuki theatre, and visuals from Nazi Germany and the writings of the de Sade. You might say the refinement of technique and form used by each practitioner is akin to that of flower arrangement, where every knot tied is a distinct reflection of the individual who tied it, while conforming to the “rules” at the same time.

Bondage came to mainstream attention in the early 20th century, when Seiu Ito, or the “father of kinbaku” began researching hojojutsu in earnest and turned it into an art form. Fifty years later, bondage and sex toys became popular in print magazines. Bondage thrust itself into the public in the 1960’s and has remained a staple of “alternative” sexual practices till today. Despite its various permutations, the principle remains the same: restricting a person’s movement while endeavouring to ensure bonds are tied in such a way that the prisoner derives pleasure from it.

We all know that sexual pleasure in its finest form comes from submission, total domination, or both at the same time. This is because sex is essentially an act of violence, in one way or other. Although bondage is a delicate subject, it has been demystified since the late ’70s, and we are experiencing a whole new era of sexual freedom, which has made us free from the numerous taboos that society has enforced on us through centuries.

Some consider any sort of bondage vulgar, but then, inevitably, a question rises – why do intelligent people love it, too? It comes down to matters of personal preference, and if anyone were to judge people who love bondage, it comes down to a matter just as simple as, for example, the music tastes of a person.

Bondage wouldn’t be called that way unless there were numerous extras used. From aromatic candles and mild handcuffs for the couples just working their way into the leather zone, to more serious sex toys like strap ons and anal toys, there are only a select few Australian online retailers for bondage toys. Naughty But Nice is one of them, with a vast supply of bondage related merchandise like adult DVD’s, sex toys, lube, dildos, penis pumps, etc.

Safety is a big issue not only in bondage between not-so-well-known partners, but also when bondage merchandise is being sold, especially on the internet. There are cheaper alternatives from Naughty But Nice, but would you take a “Pinky thumb massager” for five bucks as serious alternative to safe sexual pleasure? Naughty But Nice have been in the business for fifteen years; their sex toys are not only tested and safe, but the website has a feel of familiarity, even though it is completely anonymous. Naughty But Nice even offer educational aids for matters related to bondage.

Not to say that bondage is for everyone, but far too many people live with unfulfilled sexual fantasies waiting to surface. For couples, bondage is a matter that needs to be thoroughly discussed, so neither of the partners gets disappointed. It is natural that the both of you have different fantasies – they can be fulfilled at the same time, really. For starters, handcuffs and costumes can do wonders to your sex life, as they have relatively little physical interference, but preserve a highly stimulating aura. To escalate the mental and physical stimulation even further, aromatic candles and massage oils can be used – both of which can be found at Naughty But Nice. For those who know what exactly they want from bondage, the vast assortment of Naughty But Nice will be a sound pick.