The History of Matcha Tea: From Monastic Traditions to Modern Rituals
Matcha – an intensely green powdered tea – is not only a fashionable drink, but also an essential element of Japanese cultural heritage. The history of matcha tea is a fascinating journey through the ages, combining spirituality, art and a healthy lifestyle. From Buddhist monasteries, where it aided meditation, to modern cafes serving matcha latte, this extraordinary drink is constantly evolving, while maintaining its deep connection with tradition.
History of Matcha Tea: The Origin of Matcha
The beginnings of production
Although today we associate it mainly with Japan, matcha's roots go back to ancient China. As early as the Tang Dynasty (7th–10th centuries), grinding tea leaves into powder was practiced, but it was the monk Eisai, who brought this method to Japan in the 12th century, who started a new chapter in the history of tea. For Zen monks, it was not just a drink – it was a tool for spiritual concentration. The L-theanine contained in matcha supported concentration, while the caffeine gave energy during long hours of meditation.
Matcha and the Tea Ceremony – Harmony of Form and Spirit
In the 15th century, the culture of drinking matcha gained its most refined expression – the Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu). Sen no Rikyū was responsible for its development, making it almost a philosophy of life, based on four values: harmony (wa), respect (kei), purity (sei) and peace (jaku). In his vision, making matcha became an art form, and every tea gathering – a unique spiritual event. The ceremony was as important as the drink itself.
Matcha in Japanese Culture and Art
It is impossible to talk about matcha without mentioning its influence on the aesthetics and art of Japan. It was present in painting, haiku poetry and nō theatre. The green infusion symbolised purity, peace and closeness to nature – values valued by generations of artists and philosophers. Drinking matcha itself became a ritual of contemplation – a celebration of the moment, detail and simplicity.
Matcha in Painting – Everyday Life and Ceremony in Ukiyo-e Art
During the Edo period (1603–1868), when ukiyo-e prints flourished, artists such as Kitagawa Utamaro and Utagawa Hiroshige often depicted scenes of everyday life that included matcha—as part of a tea ceremony or domestic ritual. Paintings of teahouse interiors, tea sets, and quiet moments around a tea cup convey the importance of matcha as a part of culture and social interaction.
The Poetic Presence of Matcha – A Meditation in the Form of Haiku
For poets, especially those writing haiku, matcha was a symbol of spiritual depth, mindfulness, and harmony with nature. Classical poems referred to the atmosphere of the ceremony: the heat rising from the bowl, the shadow cast by bamboo leaves, or the gentle sound of a warming kettle. In these works, matcha became a metaphor for the present moment – as fleeting as morning mist or a falling leaf.
Matcha Symbolism in Noh Theater – Silence, Ritual, Transcendence
In classical Noh theatre, matcha appeared both as a prop and a symbolic motif. The tea ceremony was presented as a space of spiritual encounter, a transition between the real world and the spiritual realm. In some plays, the tea ritual was a central point of the narrative, emphasizing the spiritual transformation of the characters.
Wabi-sabi aesthetics and matcha vessels as works of art
Drinking matcha was also associated with the development of Japanese artistic craftsmanship. Cups (chawan), bamboo whisks (chasen), spoons (chashaku) and tea containers (natsume) were created with the aesthetic of wabi-sabi in mind – the philosophy of beauty hidden in imperfection and simplicity. Handmade vessels often had a raw, natural form, with cracks, asymmetry and traces of use, which over time gained character.
The Modern Face of Matcha – From Cafes to Fusion Cuisine
Today, matcha is experiencing a true renaissance – both in Japan and around the world. Appreciated for its intense flavour and beneficial health properties, it has found its place in modern kitchens and cafes. We encounter it not only in the form of a traditional infusion, but also in ice cream, cakes, smoothies and even savory dishes. Its distinctive, slightly grassy flavour combines perfectly with plant milk, honey or exotic spices.
In major cities, from Tokyo to New York, tea bars and studios are popping up where you can take part in matcha workshops and learn how to properly use a chasen (bamboo whisk) or chashaku (spoon for measuring powder). Modern matcha rituals combine tradition with urban lifestyles, responding to the need for mindfulness and balance.
Matcha as part of a balanced lifestyle
The Role of Matcha in Sustainable Development
In the era of conscious consumption, matcha is also gaining recognition as an ecological product. More and more consumers choose BIO certified matcha, which comes from pesticide-free crops. This is not only a choice for health, but also an expression of concern for the environment. Products such as the 100g Organic ceremonial matcha tea set with chasen whisk , are an example of harmony between quality, tradition and sustainable development.
Why is it worth choosing matcha?
When choosing matcha, we invest in something more than just a drink. It is a lifestyle choice – based on health, mindfulness and respect for nature. The wealth of antioxidants, supporting metabolism, natural energy without a sudden drop like after coffee – all this makes matcha ideally suited to the needs of modern man. If you want to experience its unique taste and effects, reach for the Ceremonial Matcha Set 25g + Chasen + Chashaku – an invitation to the world of tea harmony.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is matcha?
Matcha is the highest quality powdered green tea used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. It comes from shaded tea leaves that are ground into a fine powder.
2. What health benefits does matcha offer?
Matcha contains a large amount of antioxidants (especially catechins), supports metabolism, improves concentration and adds energy in a more stable way than coffee. It can also help detoxify the body.
3. How to properly prepare matcha?
To make matcha, place about 1-2 grams of powder in a bowl (chawan), add about 80 ml of hot (but not boiling) water, then whisk vigorously with a bamboo chasen whisk until frothy. For variety, you can add plant milk or a little honey.
Want to learn more about matcha? Visit the official Royal Brand store, a producer of spices and herbal extracts. and try our matcha tea, recommended by Sensei Nakagawa Kinji,to immerse yourself in the taste, aroma and tradition of this extraordinary drink.
