Chapter IV · The Vessels: Words and things — 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: History — Tea takes a thousand forms. To speak roughly: some are…
"Tea takes a thousand forms. To speak roughly: some are like barbarian boots, puckered and shriveled; some like the chest of a wild ox, ribbed and draped; some like clouds rising f
Chapter II · The Implements: Commentary — 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 I · The Origin: Practice today — The use of tea: its nature is extremely cold, and…
"The use of tea: its nature is extremely cold, and as a beverage it is most suited to men of disciplined conduct and frugal virtue."
Chapter IX · The Omissions: Making — As for the making tools: if at early spring, during…
"As for the making tools: if at early spring, during the cold-food days, one gathers with many hands in a wild temple or mountain garden, steaming and pounding on the spot, then dr
Chapter VII · The History: Words and things — Wang Meng of Jin loved tea, and pressed it on…
"Wang Meng of Jin loved tea, and pressed it on every visitor; the officials dreaded it, and whenever they meant to call they would say, 'Today we must suffer the water-calamity.'"
Chapter VI · The Drinking: History — Those who cultivate tea may grow several hundred clumps; the…
"Those who cultivate tea may grow several hundred clumps; the tree like gualu, leaves like gardenia, flowers like white rose, fruit like palm."
Chapter V · The Brewing: Commentary — Beyond this, the water is old and cannot be drunk…
"Beyond this, the water is old and cannot be drunk."
Chapter IV · The Vessels: Practice today — The wind stove is cast of copper or iron, shaped…
"The wind stove is cast of copper or iron, shaped like an ancient tripod."
Chapter II · The Implements: Making — The yu storage cabinet is made of wood, woven of…
"The yu storage cabinet is made of wood, woven of bamboo, and pasted with paper. It has a shelf inside, a cover above, a base below, and a door at the side, with one panel shut. Wi