Is there such a thing as true BDSM art?Why has such art had a centuries' long tradition in Japan? Why have some of Japan's greatest artists turned their extraordinary talents to this subject? And what is the origin of Japan's fascination with "tentacle sex?" These are just some of the fascinating and provocative questions discussed and answered in "Exquisite Torments - A Brief History of Japanese BDSM and Kinbaku Art." In "The Beauty of Kinbaku" renowned scholar and teacher Master "K" revealed the centuries old exotic and erotic world of Kinbaku (Japanese erotic rope bondage) to interested readers in the West. Now in "Exquisite Torments - A Brief History of Japanese BDSM and Kinbaku Art" he opens up his extensive archive and art collection to create a picture book companion to his bestselling "The Beauty of Kinbaku." For the first time in English, the magnificent art that has been inspired by these formerly hidden worlds of Japanese BDSM and Kinbaku are presented and discussed. Erotically themed works in such genres as ukiyo-e (woodblock prints), shunga, (erotic pictures) and book and magazine illustration by such great names in Japanese art as Hokusai, Yoshitoshi and Kita Reiko are entertainingly presented in large size and full color. And if that weren't enough, there are also over 40 plates of beautiful Kinbaku photography by the brilliant LA celebrity photographer Michael Helms!Included in this large format, 130 page edition are: -90 large size, full color plates, many printed here for the first time in an English language publication. -Full commentaries on the art, including complete historical data, cultural context and biographical information on the artists.-A stunningly beautiful photographic portfolio by well known LA celebrity photographer Michael Helms of authentic Kinbaku ties by shibari artist and teacher Master "K."-An extensive bibliography for further reading.