Chapter IV · The Vessels: Practice today — The wind stove is cast of copper or iron, shaped…
"The wind stove is cast of copper or iron, shaped like an ancient tripod."
Chapter II · The Implements: Making — The yu storage cabinet is made of wood, woven of…
"The yu storage cabinet is made of wood, woven of bamboo, and pasted with paper. It has a shelf inside, a cover above, a base below, and a door at the side, with one panel shut. Wi
Chapter II · The Implements: Close reading — 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."
Chapter IV · The Vessels: Plain reading — For water, mountain spring is best, river next, well lowest…
"For water, mountain spring is best, river next, well lowest. Of mountain springs, choose the milky fountains that seep from rocky pools; avoid rushing, churning torrents."
Chapter III · The Making: Taste and body — 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: Text and editions — 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: Practice today — 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: Terroir — 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: Close reading — 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: Vessels and fire — 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."