Chapter IV · The Vessels: Vessels and fire — 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: Words and things — 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: History — The zeng steamer is made of wood or earthenware, narrowed…
"The zeng steamer is made of wood or earthenware, narrowed at the waist and sealed with clay. A bamboo tray serves as the grate, tied with bamboo strips. When steaming begins, the
Chapter IV · The Vessels: Misreadings — 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: Modern tea science — 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: One-page summary — 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 IX · The Omissions: Words and things — 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: Making — 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: Plain reading — Tea is gathered in the second, third, and fourth months…
"Tea is gathered in the second, third, and fourth months."
Chapter II · The Implements: Taste and body — 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."