The Fine Art of Kimono Embroidery showcases the art of the talented embroidery artist Shizuka Kusano. Shizuka Kusano's canvases are kimono, obi (the kimono sash), and tapestries, on which she creates extraordinary compositions in brilliant color and subtle tones, with a rich contrast in textures. Her themes are drawn from Japanese poetry, literature, and art, as well as traditional seasonally-oriented motifs such as trees, flowers, birds, and streams. Working exclusively with silk threads and fabric, and delicately balancing the use of space in her composition, Kusano's designs achieve the sophistication for which the best Japanese art is known. Selected works are shown here in full color with explanatory captions, while a separate section covers the primary techniques used to create each piece. In addition, Kusano writes about how she came to be interested in embroidery and how she developed her art, and provides commentary on her themes and inspirations. She also includes an essay on the history of embroidery in Japan from the time it was introduced into the country from China in the sixth century up until the present. Kusano's insight and fresh perspective on this unique art will inspire embroidery enthusiasts, textile collectors, and art lovers worldwide.

Shizuka Kusano's work has been featured many times in women's magazine and she can be seen on two nationwide TV programs, one of which is broadcast on the educational channel NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation). She teaches at more than five different places, including the Tokyo American Club. She had been part of at least 30 major exhibitions in the last 5 years, and has had one solo show. Kusano is the author of five books in Japanese; this is her first in English.