Chapter III · The Making: Terroir — Steam it, pound it, press it, roast it, string it…
"Steam it, pound it, press it, roast it, string it, seal it — and the tea is done."
Chapter II · The Implements: Close reading — The gui mold, also called mo or quan, is made…
"The gui mold, also called mo or quan, is made of iron, in round, square, or floral shapes."
Chapter III · The Making: Taste and body — Some praise tea that is glossy, black, and even —…
"Some praise tea that is glossy, black, and even — that is the lowest judgment. Some praise what is wrinkled, yellow, and uneven — that is a middling judgment. But to call everythi
Chapter II · The Implements: Text and editions — The guan skewer is cut from bamboo, two and a…
"The guan skewer is cut from bamboo, two and a half feet long, for stringing tea cakes to roast."
Chapter IV · The Vessels: Misreadings — For tea bowls, those of Yuezhou are best, Dingzhou and…
"For tea bowls, those of Yuezhou are best, Dingzhou and Wuzhou next; of the Yuezhou type, Yue is finest, then Shouzhou and Hongzhou."
Chapter III · The Making: Modern tea science — The bamboo-shoot-like buds, growing in rich rocky soil, reach four…
"The bamboo-shoot-like buds, growing in rich rocky soil, reach four or five inches, like young ferns just unfolding; they are picked while the morning dew is still on them."
Chapter II · The Implements: One-page summary — The stove should have no chimney; the cauldron should have…
"The stove should have no chimney; the cauldron should have a lipped rim."
Chapter IV · The Vessels: Close reading — 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: Vessels and fire — 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: Words and things — 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