Chapter VII · The History: Taste and body — Yan Ying, when minister to Duke Jing of Qi, ate…
"Yan Ying, when minister to Duke Jing of Qi, ate only husked-rice meals, with three roast game birds, five eggs, and tea-leaf vegetable."
Chapter VI · The Drinking: Text and editions — Winged creatures fly, furred creatures run, and those with mouths…
"Winged creatures fly, furred creatures run, and those with mouths speak — all three dwell between heaven and earth and live by drinking and eating. How far-reaching is the meaning
Chapter IV · The Vessels: Practice today — When it first boils, with fish-eye bubbles and a faint…
"When it first boils, with fish-eye bubbles and a faint sound, that is the first boil; when the rim seethes like linked pearls, the second; when it surges like waves, the third. Be
Chapter III · The Making: Terroir — Tea takes a thousand forms. To speak roughly: some are…
"Tea takes a thousand forms. To speak roughly: some are like barbarian boots, puckered and shriveled; some like the chest of a wild ox, ribbed and draped; some like clouds rising f
Chapter II · The Implements: Close reading — 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: Vessels and fire — The use of tea: its nature is extremely cold, and…
"The use of tea: its nature is extremely cold, and as a beverage it is most suited to men of disciplined conduct and frugal virtue."
Chapter IX · The Omissions: Text and editions — As for the making tools: if at early spring, during…
"As for the making tools: if at early spring, during the cold-food days, one gathers with many hands in a wild temple or mountain garden, steaming and pounding on the spot, then dr
Chapter VII · The History: Practice today — Zuo Si's poem The Doting Daughters reads: 'Their hearts race…
"Zuo Si's poem The Doting Daughters reads: 'Their hearts race for the tea, they puff and blow upon the tripod.'"
Chapter VI · The Drinking: Terroir — Those who cultivate tea may grow several hundred clumps; the…
"Those who cultivate tea may grow several hundred clumps; the tree like gualu, leaves like gardenia, flowers like white rose, fruit like palm."
Chapter V · The Brewing: Close reading — Beyond this, the water is old and cannot be drunk…
"Beyond this, the water is old and cannot be drunk."