Chiba Matsue's workshop/ Photo by Shigematsu Yuka (c) FASHION HEADLINE

Matsue Chiba working in the river in front of her house

Dried indigo leaves/ Photo by Shigematsu Yuka (c) FASHION HEADLINE

Indigo balls, the raw material for indigo dyeing/ Photo by Shigematsu Yuka (c) FASHION HEADLINE

The looms that were used by the previous generation are lined up

The god who watches over Matsue's workshop/ Photo by Shigematsu Yuka (c) FASHION HEADLINE

When making dye water, lye is extracted from oak charcoal.

Matsue's studio has only one indigo barrel. All authentic indigo dyeing is done here./ Photo by Shigematsu Yuka (c) FASHION HEADLINE

Dyed cloth by Matsue Chiba/ Photo by Shigematsu Yuka (c) FASHION HEADLINE

There was also a piece of work in progress in Matsue's studio./ Photo by Shigematsu Yuka (c) FASHION HEADLINE

Matsue's workshop bathed in sunlight/ Photo by Shigematsu Yuka (c) FASHION HEADLINE

A certificate from Ayano Chiba, the grandmother of Living National Treasure/ Photo by Shigematsu Yuka (c) FASHION HEADLINE

Matsue's workshop is decorated with photos of her predecessor./ Photo by Shigematsu Yuka (c) FASHION HEADLINE

Next to the workshop, you can learn about traditional indigo dyeing techniques at "Irando Monji."/ Photo by Shigematsu Yuka (c) FASHION HEADLINE

Works by Matsue Chiba/ Photo by Shigematsu Yuka (c) FASHION HEADLINE

Authentic Indigo Cold Dyeing "Four Seasons with Indigo" Meet Chiba Matsue, the keeper of Japan's oldest indigo dyeing/ Photo by Shigematsu Yuka (c) FASHION HEADLINE