History of Sex Machines
The history of artificial sexual aids dates back to prehistoric times, with the oldest dildos found in Germany. Ancient Greeks and Romans used phallic objects, while the first true sex machines emerged in the 18th century, disguised as medical devices for treating “hysteria.” Vibrators began with steam-powered models like The Manipulator in 1880, leading to electric versions by the early 1900s. Today, historical devices are preserved in museums, reflecting their evolution. Continue reading History of Sex Machines
Rumi Kasuga
Rumi Kasuga, born in 1930 in Osaka, became a pioneering figure in the post-war Japanese SM scene. Debuting in Kitan Club in 1954, she was known for her commanding dominance and skill in bondage. Kasuga also owned a bar in the gay SM scene and authored influential articles, solidifying her legacy. Continue reading Rumi Kasuga
Kiss my Fanny
The “Kiss my Fanny” tradition in pétanque involves losers of a 13-0 match playfully kissing the buttocks of a symbolic figure named Fanny—a light-hearted ritual of humiliation rooted in French boules culture. Originating from 19th-20th century legends of a kind waitress offering consolation, it features statues, paintings, and figurines in clubs across France. Continue reading Kiss my Fanny
Keiko Otsuka, Pioneer of Onna-Zeme
Keiko Otsuka (大塚啓子) was an obscure Japanese bondage model in the late 1950s–early 1960s, appearing in Kitan Club magazine. Known for her short bob and intense gaze, she posed in a rare 1963 series alternating as both submissive and dominant, offering an early femdom hint in raw, functional kinbaku style. Continue reading Keiko Otsuka, Pioneer of Onna-Zeme
William Seabrook: The Occult Sadist
William Seabrook (1884–1945), occult journalist and BDSM pioneer, ritualized bondage as mystical ecstasy among Surrealists. He commissioned Man Ray’s 1930 Fantasies series, featuring Lee Miller collared by Maison Worth. The infamous 1929 Paris staircase incident chained a submissive for voyeuristic photos. His transcendent sadism legacy persists despite tragic suicide. Continue reading William Seabrook: The Occult Sadist
Hentri Oltramare
Henri Oltramare (1878–1953) was a renowned photographer from Geneva, celebrated for his artistic nudes during the Belle Époque. His work, characterized by exquisite printing and dramatic lighting, balanced art and taboo. Recently, previously unknown Orientalist prints have emerged, enhancing his legacy and importance in early fetish photography. Continue reading Hentri Oltramare
Lucette, the Enigmatic Muse
Lucette Desmoulins, a prominent figure in 1930s Paris, transitioned from humble origins to become a celebrated actress and model known for her roles in film and theater. Engaging with the risqué work of Biederer Studio, she balanced glamour and desire, leaving a legacy of elegance that continues to inspire discussions about her artistry and influence. Continue reading Lucette, the Enigmatic Muse
Carlo Mollino: Architect of Secret Desires
Carlo Mollino, a 20th-century Italian architect, produced a remarkable collection of private Polaroids depicting women in luxurious settings, expressing both elegance and submission. His work blends Surrealism and contemporary kink, capturing a nuanced power exchange. Celebrated posthumously, Mollino’s art reveals deeper themes of intimacy and eroticism, remaining influential today. Continue reading Carlo Mollino: Architect of Secret Desires
William Mortensen
William Mortensen (1897–1965) was the bad boy of 1920s–1930s photography: theatrical, grotesque, openly sadomasochistic tableaux while the rest of the world preached “pure” straight photography. Hated by Ansel Adams, got erased from history, yet his dark, perfectly-lit bondage and occult images secretly fathered modern fetish and horror aesthetics. Continue reading William Mortensen
Popular Publications
Popular Publications dominated the 1930s “weird menace” shudder pulp era with lurid titles like Terror Tales, Horror Stories, and Spicy Mystery. Packed with sadistic villains, tortured heroines, and bondage-heavy covers by artists such as Norman Saunders and Hugh Joseph Ward, these magazines are essential precursors to post-war BDSM and fetish imagery. Continue reading Popular Publications
