Complete Japanese ceramic matcha set. A traditional Japanese set for preparing matcha. It includes a hand-made ceramic bowl in black, white, and red with purple, a whisk holder in white, black, and blue, the spoon, and the bamboo whisk.
The history of green tea in China dates back to the 8th century. The method of preparing powdered tea from steamed dried tea leaves became popular in the 12th century when matcha was discovered by a Buddhist monk, Myoan Eisai, and brought to Japan. Eisai realized that consuming matcha improved his Zen meditation sessions.
Drinking matcha not only assisted the Zen monks' meditation efforts but also became a means to achieve enlightenment itself. The radical simplicity of the tea ceremony emerged as a response to the ornate and luxurious style of Japanese aristocracy.
The beauty of the tea ceremony comes from the harmony that arises between the mind of the host and their guests. The spirit of tea is expressed in four concepts: peace, purity, respect, and harmony.
This ceremony is usually held in a tea house, providing a serene backdrop for the careful practice of preparing and serving the drink. Over the centuries, "chado" spread throughout Japan, including all levels of society.
Today, the Matcha tea ceremony provides opportunities for meeting, exchanging ideas, deepening understanding, and serves as an expression of care and continuity of tradition.
