Chapter IV · The Vessels: History — 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: Commentary — 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: Practice today — 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: One-page summary — 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: Making — 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: Plain reading — 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: Commentary — 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: Taste and body — 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: Text and editions — Tea is gathered in the second, third, and fourth months…
"Tea is gathered in the second, third, and fourth months."
Chapter II · The Implements: Misreadings — 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."