Chapter II · The Implements: Terroir — The pestle and mortar, also called dui, are best when…
"The pestle and mortar, also called dui, are best when they have long been in constant use."
Chapter I · The Origin: Close reading — Wild tea is best; that of the garden is inferior…
"Wild tea is best; that of the garden is inferior. On sunny cliffs beneath shady woods, the purple buds are best and the green ones inferior; buds like bamboo shoots are best, slen
Chapter VIII · The Producing Regions: History — 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: Commentary — 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: Practice today — 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: Making — 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: Plain reading — 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: Taste and body — 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: Text and editions — 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: Practice today — 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."