Weight Sample 4 Oz(+7.00) 8 Oz(+10.00) 16 Oz(+21.00)   SENCHA GREEN TEA

Tea seeds were imported into Japan by a Buddhist priest known as Yeisei.  Teas had been used for many years in Buddhist meditations. This monk became recognized as originator of tea in Japan.  Hence, tea in Japan is associated with Zen Buddhism. Tea received almost instant imperial sponsorship and spread rapidly from the royal members and monasteries to all other members of Japanese society.

              The Japanese Tea Ceremony ("Cha-no-yu" or "the hot water for tea") became a fundamental Japanese ceremony.  The refined art form of the Tea ceremony requires years of training and practice.  Remarkably, the tea ceremony involved simply the making and serving of a cup of tea. The foundation of the ceremony is to serve the most exquisite tea in the most refined and attractive manner possible.  

              Because of the importance of the art form, a variety of other arts and activities were developed. Tea houses were built based upon Chaseki architecture, a design akin to forest cottages. Geisha who were female hostesses specialized in the tea ceremony.  As the ceremony became increasingly popular, the original Zen concept was emasculated. The ceremony evolved into a more flashy and less religious event. The nobility started competitions for prizes in creating new tea blends. The concept of awarding prizes was antithetical to the Zen origins of the ceremony.

               Some important Zen priests restored tea to its original stature in Japanese culture.  During the 15^th and 16^th centuries, Several influential Japanese priests confirmed the purity of the tea ceremony in Japan.  Shogun Hideyoshi was a wonderful connoisseur of the tea ceremony in Japan.  As an influential artist, Hideyoshi solidified the tea ceremony as a foundation and cultural component of Japanese life. During his reign, Japanese tea became a prized gift and warriors were inspired by drinking tea prior to combat.  

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