Hon Kikkou

Tortoise Shell

Advanced Rope Lesson

by Tatu

This is probably one of the loveliest designs to learn. It is my favorite to tie. Notice the design between the breasts. "Kikkou" is the Japanese word for tortoise".

The description "kikkou" or "tortoise shell" has been misused in the west to describe the karada body weave. This is incorrect. Do not confuse the two.

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Model - "yumi"

Photos by Quietmstr

(c) 2005 Tatu Publications

We begin by folding the rope in half.

Place the folded end around the

jujun's waist, snugly securing it with an

overhand knot in the front.

We then route the two loose ends of the

rope up the torso between

the breasts and tie another overhand knot

about half way up between the throat and

the nipple line.

Our jujun's arms are folded in the traditional

Japanese "U" shape behind her back. The rope

comes over the shoulder and down under the

folded arms and back up under the arm pits.

The rope is then passed up under the arms

from the back, and around the front

rope on each side just above the top knot,

and then right back down the outside of the

torso/breasts and under the folded forearms

behind her back.

Bring the ropes back up from underneath

around the foreams.

Cross the rope in the back and take to the ends

to the outside of the upper arms

and to the front again

Now bring the rope around each side

to the front fold around the center vertical

ropes below the top knot and

above the breasts.

Pull the ends of the rope

back around the outside

of the arms just below

the previous rope and

to the back

We bring the rope to the center

of the back and gather it in a star

burst design with all the other lines.

You may tie a square knot at the center

where all the ropes are gathered.

The loose ends are brought again

to the front.

The rope is brought around the outside of the waist

from under the forearms to the center

ropes in the front.

This time feed the ends under the breasts,

but above the lower knot.

One last time take your ropes around the waist

under the arms and back to the center

of the starburst in the back.

Bring the ropes under the arms

to the center starburst and tie off.