Chiba Matsue lives in the mountains of Miyagi Prefecture, overlooking Mount Kurikoma. Stubbornly adhering to the teachings of her grandmother, Chiba Ayano, a Living National Treasure, Matsue creates "Shoai Hiyashizome" dyeing techniques herself, from sowing the indigo leaves used in the dye to dyeing the rolls of fabric. This article continues from Part 1 and introduces Matsue's life as she adapts to the seasons.

■ Life with Indigo -- Early Summer, Indigo Dyeing, Indigo Dyeing

The indigo balls used in indigo dyeing are hollowed out in the middle and thoroughly dried. They are about the size of white balls, but firm and light. By thoroughly drying them, the indigo balls can be used not only in the current year but also the following year.

Once the indigo balls are complete, they wait until May, when the temperature begins to rise, to begin the process of making the dye water, known as "aidate." To make the dye water, indigo balls, lye extracted from oak charcoal, and lukewarm water at the perfect temperature are added to a large vat.

This process takes 10 days, during which the vat of dye water is vigorously stirred twice a day, at 4:00 AM and 4:00 PM. This requires strength and patience, and Matsue's son currently helps out with this work. After a few days of aidate, the initially brown bubbles on the surface of the water gradually turn into a three-dimensional indigo color, also known as "indigo flowers." When these flowers appear, the dyeing process can finally begin.

The dyeing process begins by dyeing a small piece of fabric, such as a handkerchief, to check the progress of the dye. Matsue smiles and says, "When it's cold, the dye turns a light, pale indigo. But whether it's hot or cold, I don't care and just keep dyeing. Pale is pale, so some people say they like it." With "Shoai Reizome," the temperature of the indigo dye water is always kept natural. It's always dependent on the weather. Doing everything possible and then leaving it to nature is what creates the uneven beauty of Shoai Reizome.

■ The Inheritor of Shoai Reizome

When talking with Matsue, she often hears the words, "Because my grandmother said that's how it was." To Matsue, her grandmother has always been her teacher of "Shoai Reizome." When in doubt or in trouble, what would she do if it were her grandmother? She probably asks herself, and the "Indigo God" who has watched over her indigo bottle, both now and in the past.

Behind the dirt floor where Matsue's indigo barrels are located is a room with two looms lined up. "I sat here with my predecessor at the looms, and he taught me so many things," Matsue says. Then, recalling those days, she shares nostalgic memories: "Back then, it was hard because I had to do both farm work and indigo work. On rainy days, I couldn't work in the fields, so I would go back to my parents' house, which was a little ways away, to take a break." Now, Matsue occasionally weaves in this room, where her predecessor's photos and works are kept on hand. "I don't know if it'll still be strong next year," she says, but she shows me the indigo-dyed thread she's saving, hoping to weave again.

[Editor's Note]
Preserving the ancient technique of "Shoai Reizome" (refined indigo dyeing). It sounds simple, but when you think of the enormous amount of time and effort Matsue devotes to it, you can't help but feel the deep love for indigo that her predecessors have preserved. Matsue's indigo dyeing, which combines gentleness and strength, seems to reflect the natural process.

Next to Matsue's studio is "Irando Monji," run by Kurihara City. Here you can experience and learn traditional indigo dyeing techniques. You can also watch a valuable video here showing how Matsue and her predecessors grew and dyed indigo.

【Island Monji】
103 Kurikoma Mojikajiya, Kurihara City, 989-5361
Tel: 0228-47-2141
Admission fee: 300 yen for adults, 150 yen for children (*A separate fee applies for hands-on experiences)
Closed: Wednesdays, New Year's holidays Opening hours: 10:00 to 15:00 (*Please inquire about opening hours)

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