Shizuka Kusano is well known for her work embroidering kimonos. (photo courtesy of Japan Foundation, Los Angeles)

Japan Foundation, Los Angeles will open “Melodies of Shining Silk: Japanese Embroidery by Shizuka Kusano” on Saturday, Feb. 15.

Embroidery was initially introduced to Japan from China together with Buddhism and became open to the merchant class culture during the Edo period. Kusano, one of the most admired and recognized textile artists in Japan, showcases contemporary art pieces based 1,500-year-old traditional embroideries inspired by Japanese poetry, literature and art. She is known for her kimono embroidery.

Regular exhibition hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday; noon to 5 p.m., Saturday. Admission is free.

The Japan Foundation is located at 5700 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 100. For information, call (323)761-7510, or visit jflalc.org.