The Takate Kote: The Art of the Box Tie

Among the most iconic ties in Shibari, few carry the same weight of beauty, discipline, and erotic charge as the takate kote. Often called the box tie, this upper-body harness is both a classic restraint and a sensual work of art—an embrace of rope that holds the body in exquisite submission.

At Wickedly Woven, we celebrate the takate kote not just for its structure, but for what it represents: vulnerability, surrender, and the deep intimacy that Shibari creates between rigger and rope bottom.

What Is the Takate Kote?

The takate kote is a chest harness that binds the arms behind the back, usually at a right angle, creating a “box-like” shape. Multiple wraps and frictions secure the arms tightly to the torso, restricting movement while leaving the chest beautifully framed.

It is beloved in Shibari for its:

• Elegance: The lines of rope carve striking patterns across the chest and shoulders.
• Intensity: The restriction of the arms behind the back creates an immediate sense of vulnerability.
• Versatility: It can be used as a foundation for floor play, partial suspensions, or as a striking standalone tie.

Seduction in Restraint

There is something deeply erotic about being held in a takate kote. The arms, drawn behind the back, expose the chest and leave the submissive open, vulnerable, and beautifully displayed. Each pass of rope is more than a restraint—it is a caress, a claiming, a declaration that says: you are mine to hold, mine to bind.

For the rigger, the tie is an act of control and artistry. Every tension must be perfect, every knot deliberate. The takate kote is not just about function; it is about creating an intimate connection, breath by breath, knot by knot.

Rope Selection Matters

A tie this powerful deserves rope that feels alive in the hands. Jute rope is traditional—and for good reason. Its coarse texture bites gently into the skin, holding without slipping, and it carries an earthy scent that lingers in the air. At Wickedly Woven, our eco-conscious jute ropes are designed for ties like the takate kote: strong, natural, and sensual against the body.

Safety and Care

Because the takate kote involves binding the arms behind the back, safety is essential:

• Avoid nerve compression: Pay attention to the upper arms and shoulders. Numbness or tingling is a signal to untie.
• Check circulation: Skin should remain warm and responsive to touch.
• Communicate: The beauty of Shibari is built on trust. Safewords and constant check-ins keep the play safe and pleasurable.

The Ritual of Surrender

When done with intention, the takate kote becomes more than rope—it becomes ritual. It is the moment when a submissive surrenders their arms, entrusting their body to another. It is the moment when rope ceases to be just fiber, becoming instead a language of intimacy, control, and desire.

The Wickedly Woven Touch

Whether you’re practicing your first takate kote or refining your mastery, the rope you use matters. Wickedly Woven’s natural jute ropes are designed to enhance every aspect of Shibari: the scent, the texture, the strength, the way they mold to the body. They are not just tools for restraint—they are instruments of seduction.

Because the takate kote is more than a tie.
It is a story told in rope.
And we invite you to write yours.