[3][4] Rope bondage derives from the erotic Japanese bondage art form of shibari, which was in turn developed from the now-defunct Japanese military restraint technique of hojōjutsu.
[5][6] The rope dress is not of itself a form of restraint, but is used either by itself as an adornment, or incorporated into restraining bondage.
Japanese bondage traditionally uses natural fibers such as hemp and jute which are cut into approximately 25 foot (7.6 m) lengths.
Western-style bondage typically uses longer ropes that span a wider variety of materials.
The wrists and ankles are tied to the bed's vertical columns, thus restraining the arms and legs.