Japan: A painting of Baisao the 'Old Tea Seller' with his portable tea equipment, late 19th century.

Baisao (1675 -1763) was a Japanese Buddhist monk of the Obaku school of Zen Buddhism, who became famous for traveling around Kyoto selling tea. Baisao or 'Old Tea Seller', was a name he picked up from his act of making tea in the Kyoto area. His Zen priest name was Gekkai Gensho.

Later in his life, he renounced his priesthood and adopted the layman name of Ko Yugai. When Baisao was 49 years old, he left monastic life and began peddling tea in Kyoto. His tea differed from that of matcha, the most common tea in Japan at the time. He offered 'simmered tea', a style of green tea from China that is similar to what we now know as green tea. Eventually, he was introduced to a new style of tea, similar to his 'simmered tea' that was invented in Japan, known as sencha.

He wandered to different locations in Kyoto to offer his tea, typically stopping near the numerous Zen temples and gardens. He carried all his equipment needed for making tea in a weaved bamboo basket that he lugged around on a stick over his shoulder.

Baisao never sold his tea. He carried a bamboo tube with which he collected donations. He lived an ascetic life and used the donations to keep himself nourished with rice and water.

Baisao's poetry and calligraphy are considered important in the Zen history of Japan, especially in Kyoto where Baisao was well known for offering tea to passers-by in return for donations. His poetry was highly regarded by the artists of 18th century Kyoto. Over 100 of his poems have survived.

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Supplier: CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Credit:

Pictures From History

Theme:

THE WAY OF TEA