Chapter IV · The Vessels: Practice today — For one sheng of boiling water, use one fangcun-spoon of…
"For one sheng of boiling water, use one fangcun-spoon of tea powder. If you like it thin, reduce it; if you crave strength, increase it."
Chapter III · The Making: Terroir — On rainy days do not pick; on clear days with…
"On rainy days do not pick; on clear days with clouds do not pick; only on perfectly clear days pick."
Chapter II · The Implements: Close reading — The pestle and mortar, also called dui, are best when…
"The pestle and mortar, also called dui, are best when they have long been in constant use."
Chapter IV · The Vessels: Plain reading — Ladle it with a gourd into the bowls, so that…
"Ladle it with a gourd into the bowls, so that the foam is evenly divided. The foam — the froth — is the flower of the soup."
Chapter III · The Making: Taste and body — 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: Text and editions — The bei drying-pit is dug two feet deep, two and…
"The bei drying-pit is dug two feet deep, two and a half feet wide, and one zhang long. Above it a low wall two feet high is built and plastered with clay."
Chapter IX · The Omissions: Terroir — 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 IV · The Vessels: Misreadings — 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."
Chapter III · The Making: Modern tea science — Tea is gathered in the second, third, and fourth months…
"Tea is gathered in the second, third, and fourth months."
Chapter II · The Implements: One-page summary — The ying — also called lan, long, or ju —…
"The ying — also called lan, long, or ju — is woven of bamboo. It holds five sheng, or one, two, three dou; the tea picker carries it on the back when gathering leaves."