Tied Rocks

Beauty comes to us in intricate ways

Bondage can be art. Karen Okino Butzbach and her mother Shizu Okino create 'tied rocks', using traditional Japanese knotting techniques. Mother and daughter explain on their website how:

"We use traditional Japanese basket making techniques to transform rocks into art – art that invites quiet contemplation, peace and serenity.

We use rattan or cane to wrap and tie the rocks with ornamental knots used in Japanese ikebana basketry. The stones are individually selected for shape, color and pattern. The knots are selected to complement the size and shape of the stone. The result is a fanciful, decorative piece that, we believe, projects a sense of peacefulness and tranquility."

Their creations are sold at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco and several gift shops in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. If you live in the area and wonder what to buy for the mistress who has it all, why not a tied rock?

Just one thing. I'm itching to turn them over and see how the backs are done, aren't you?