The Chinese Art of Tea

First published in 1985, The Chinese Art of Tea is an exploration into the history of tea and the Chinese art of tea, known as ch'a-shu. The book begins by delving into the history and legends surrounding tea before moving on to a study of the Emperor Hui Tsung's treatise on tea and approaches to tea during the Ming Dynasty. It discusses tea gardens, teahouses, the relationship between tea and ceramics, and the connection between tea and health. The book also features a detailed manual for practising the art of drinking tea, including advice for choosing tea, buying tea, different types of infusion and drinking vessels, and the attitude required for obtaining the fullest satisfaction from tea. The Chinese Art of Tea is ideal for anyone with an interest in the history and art of drinking tea, and the social and cultural history of China.

John Blofeld

Introduction; 1: Tea in History and Legend; 2: The Emperor Hui Tsung's Treatise on Tea; 3: A Ming Dynasty Tea Manual; 4: Tea Gardens; 5: Teahouses; 6: Ten Thousand Teas; 7: Tea and the Tao; 8: Mountain Springs, the Friends of Tea; 9: Poems and Songs of Tea; 10: A Manual for Practising the Artless Art; 11: Tea and Ceramics; 12: Tea and Health; Appendices: Old and new Chinese Styles of Romanticism; Names of Some Available Teas; Names of Cities and Provinces Mentioned in the Text; Map of China's Main Tea-Producing Provinces; Chinese Sources Referred to in the Text; Postscript