Chapter IV · The Vessels: Close reading — 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: Vessels and fire — The bamboo-shoot-like buds, growing in rich rocky soil, reach four…
"The bamboo-shoot-like buds, growing in rich rocky soil, reach four or five inches, like young ferns just unfolding; they are picked while the morning dew is still on them."
Chapter II · The Implements: Words and things — 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 I · The Origin: History — As for the ground: the finest tea grows in shattered…
"As for the ground: the finest tea grows in shattered rock, the middling in gravelly loam, and the inferior in yellow clay."
Chapter VIII · The Producing Regions: Terroir — In Jiannan Circuit, Pengzhou is best, Mianzhou and Shuzhou next…
"In Jiannan Circuit, Pengzhou is best, Mianzhou and Shuzhou next, Qiongzhou next, and Yazhou and Luzhou lower."
Chapter VII · The History: Close reading — Sima Xiangru's Fanyang pian lists among drugs wu-hui, jiegeng, yuanhua…
"Sima Xiangru's Fanyang pian lists among drugs wu-hui, jiegeng, yuanhua, kuandong, beimu, mubo, lou, qincao, shaoyao, gui, loulu, feilian, chuan-cha, bailian, baizhi, changpu, mang
Chapter VI · The Drinking: Vessels and fire — Winged creatures fly, furred creatures run, and those with mouths…
"Winged creatures fly, furred creatures run, and those with mouths speak — all three dwell between heaven and earth and live by drinking and eating. How far-reaching is the meaning
Chapter IV · The Vessels: Text and editions — 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: Misreadings — 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: Modern tea science — 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