Toshiro Kawase was born in 1948 in Kyoto. He has an undergraduate degree from Nippon University in Tokyo and did postgraduate work in theatrical production in Paris. He currently teaches the art of flower arrangement at several education centers, and his numerous creations frequently appear in

magazines. Among his books in Japanese are Fushikaden, Hana to Utsuwa, Hana wa No ni Aruyoni, Hana Kaiki, and Kawase Toshihiro Watashi no Hana.

Issey Miyake, renowned fashion designer, commissioned the brothers to design the A-POC shop in Paris and other showrooms

In this strikingly beautiful and revolutionary work, Kawase has taken a fresh approach to flower arranging, demonstrating through breathtaking color photographs his universally appealing style of bringing nature indoors.

Often misunderstood as a static art form, its rules frozen by generations of teachers, Japanese flower arranging should in fact be a dynamic relationship between man and nature, with every arrangement holding within it infinite possibilities of form and statement.

While based on a thorough knowledge of traditional techniques, Kawase's designs are liberated by his personal response to the natural environment. The arranger, in his view, is an artist, not tied down by the received way of doing things, but free to express himself. The object, ideally, is to create a form of a floral poetry.

Hence the word "inspired" in the title: his aim being to inspire, to suggest new ways of designing with flowers. At the same time, though, he provides practical tips for beginners; explains the importance of using the right containers, and shares his own thoughts on what makes a particular arrangement eye-catching or graceful.

Here, in a new, slightly smaller format than before is one of the most unusual and beautiful books of its kind ever published.