I'm just getting into learning shibari, and actually just made my first order for some hemp rope from Mauikink.com to take advantage of their sale. The fact that the lovely lady I'm dating adores rope has nothing to do with this.
I don't think it's even entirely about the bondage aspect. Things like the Kikkou tortoise shell design are pretty sensual. Having your lover tie you up like this can be an incredible experience and it isn't really any sort of restraint
I knew I shouldn't have dropped out of the Boy Scouts. At that age who would have thought that learning different rope knots would have come in that handy. I have tried rope bondage, but it is not even close to what it should be, & when my girlfriend is being dominated & restrained, I don't want to be thinking of the knots.
Oh, I have seen this before but didn't know that's what it was called. I've never tried it, but I do think it's really beautiful. To be able to make art out of ropes tied in knots is pretty amazing.