Chapter I · The Origin: Misreadings — Those planted without firm rooting rarely flourish. The method is…
"Those planted without firm rooting rarely flourish. The method is like growing melons: after three years the leaves may be gathered."
Chapter VIII · The Producing Regions: Making — In Qianzhong, teas of Enzhou, Bozhou, Feizhou, and Yizhou are…
"In Qianzhong, teas of Enzhou, Bozhou, Feizhou, and Yizhou are only occasionally obtained, yet their flavor is excellent."
Chapter VII · The History: Plain reading — When Emperor Hui of Jin, fleeing in the dust, returned…
"When Emperor Hui of Jin, fleeing in the dust, returned to Luoyang, the eunuch presented tea in an earthen bowl to the Son of Heaven."
Chapter VI · The Drinking: Taste and body — As a beverage, tea began with Shennong, the Divine Farmer…
"As a beverage, tea began with Shennong, the Divine Farmer, and became known through the Duke of Zhou of Lu."
Chapter IV · The Vessels: Commentary — 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: Practice today — 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: Terroir — 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 I · The Origin: Close reading — Picked out of season, made carelessly, adulterated with wild weeds…
"Picked out of season, made carelessly, adulterated with wild weeds, drinking it brings illness. The harm of tea, too, is like that of ginseng."
Chapter IX · The Omissions: Taste and body — 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 VII · The History: Commentary — In the Search for the Supernatural: Xia Houkai died of…
"In the Search for the Supernatural: Xia Houkai died of illness; his kinsman Gou Nu, who could see spirits, watched him come to fetch his horse and afflict his wife. Wearing a flat