Chapter I · The Origin: Commentary — If one takes qini in place of ginseng, none of…
"If one takes qini in place of ginseng, none of the six ailments will be cured. Understand how ginseng may mislead, and the pitfalls of tea become clear."
Chapter IV · The Vessels: Commentary — For the fire, charcoal is best, and sturdy firewood next…
"For the fire, charcoal is best, and sturdy firewood next. Charcoal that has been used for roasting, stained with fat and rankness, as well as resinous wood and rotten utensils, mu
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 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 IV · The Vessels: Commentary — For tea bowls, those of Yuezhou are best, Dingzhou and…
"For tea bowls, those of Yuezhou are best, Dingzhou and Wuzhou next; of the Yuezhou type, Yue is finest, then Shouzhou and Hongzhou."
Chapter VII · The History: Commentary — Yan Ying, when minister to Duke Jing of Qi, ate…
"Yan Ying, when minister to Duke Jing of Qi, ate only husked-rice meals, with three roast game birds, five eggs, and tea-leaf vegetable."
Chapter I · The Origin: Commentary — 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 IV · The Vessels: Commentary — 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 VII · The History: Commentary — Among the Three Sovereigns, Shennong the Fiery Emperor; of the…
"Among the Three Sovereigns, Shennong the Fiery Emperor; of the Zhou, the Duke of Zhou Dan of Lu; Yan Ying, prime minister of Qi; and of the Han, the immortals Dan Qiu-zi and Huang
Chapter III · The Making: Commentary — 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