Chapter VI · The Drinking: Close reading — As a beverage, tea began with Shennong, the Divine Farmer…
"As a beverage, tea began with Shennong, the Divine Farmer, and became known through the Duke of Zhou of Lu."
Chapter IV · The Vessels: Taste and body — When the water first boils, skim off the film that…
"When the water first boils, skim off the film that rises on the surface, like black mica; drinking it spoils the flavor."
Chapter III · The Making: Text and editions — From picking to sealing there are seven processes; from barbarian…
"From picking to sealing there are seven processes; from barbarian boots to frosted lotus there are eight grades."
Chapter II · The Implements: Misreadings — The chan cloth, also called yi, is made of oiled…
"The chan cloth, also called yi, is made of oiled silk or worn rainwear. It is laid on the cheng base, and the gui mold set upon it to form the tea; when a cake is done, it is lift
Chapter I · The Origin: Modern tea science — For heat and thirst, congested chest, headache, smarting eyes, restless…
"For heat and thirst, congested chest, headache, smarting eyes, restless limbs, or discomfort in all the joints — a few sips of tea rival the finest cream and nectar."
Chapter IX · The Omissions: Close reading — But in towns and noble households, if one of the…
"But in towns and noble households, if one of the twenty-four vessels is missing, the tea ceremony is spoiled."
Chapter VII · The History: Taste and body — Wang Meng of Jin loved tea, and pressed it on…
"Wang Meng of Jin loved tea, and pressed it on every visitor; the officials dreaded it, and whenever they meant to call they would say, 'Today we must suffer the water-calamity.'"
Chapter VI · The Drinking: Text and editions — Tea has nine difficulties: the making, the judging, the vessels…
"Tea has nine difficulties: the making, the judging, the vessels, the fire, the water, the roasting, the grinding, the brewing, and the drinking."
Chapter V · The Brewing: Misreadings — Beyond this, the water is old and cannot be drunk…
"Beyond this, the water is old and cannot be drunk."
Chapter IV · The Vessels: Modern tea science — The fu cauldron is made of raw iron. Its inner…
"The fu cauldron is made of raw iron. Its inner mold is clay, so the inside is smooth and easy to scour; its outer mold is sand, so the outside is rough and endures the flame."