Chapter VII · The History: Modern tea science — 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: One-page summary — 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: Vessels and fire — 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: Words and things — 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: History — 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: Commentary — 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: One-page summary — 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: Vessels and fire — 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
Chapter VI · The Drinking: Words and things — Gathering in shade and roasting by night is not true…
"Gathering in shade and roasting by night is not true making; tasting and sniffing is not true judging; rank-smelling vessels are not true utensils; greasy fuel and kitchen charcoa
Chapter V · The Brewing: History — Ladle it with a gourd dipper into the bowls. The…
"Ladle it with a gourd dipper into the bowls. The finest essence — from one sheng of boiling water, it is divided among five bowls."