The Ancient Art Of Tea

The Ancient Art of Tea is a delightful look at the philosophy, history, and culture of tea in China. The health benefits of tea, whether white, green, oolong or black, are well known in our world today. However, creating the perfect, healthy cup of tea is a process few people genuinely understand. As expert Warren Peltier explains, making an ideal cup of tea is a dynamic process that requires the right environment, clear spring water, a suitable fire to boil water, skill in steeping tea, and a deep understanding of tea connoisseurship. The Ancient Art of Tea offers a thorough, much-needed guide for tea lovers. Peltier's commentaries include discussion of: Zhang You Xin's Chronicle on Water for Brewing Tea. Xu Ci Shu's Discourse on Fire. Lu Yu's Description of the "Three Boils." Chen Ji Ru on the Merits of Tasting Tea with Company. Gu Yuan Qing's Eight Requisites for Tasting Tea. The Ancient Art of Tea parses historic tea texts to offer a broader perspective and deeper insight into the topics that surround the tea-drinking experience. The book contains vital information to assist tea drinkers in their quest for yet another pot of delicious tea. It teaches the two fundamental secrets to tea as practiced in ancient China--technique and taste. These exemplify some of the basic concepts of the philosophy of tea, which greatly enhances the enjoyment of the beverage. Not only an exhaustive source of tea knowledge, The Ancient Art of Tea is also a significant volume in the study of Chinese tea and is sure to become a classic in its own right.

The Ancient Art of Tea is a delightful look at the philosophy, history, and culture of tea in China. The health benefits of tea, from green teas to white, oolong and black teas, are well known in our world today. How to create the perfect, healthy cup of tea is a process few people genuinely understand, making The Ancient Art of Tea a needed guide for tea lovers. Making a perfect cup of tea is a dynamic process that requires the right environment, clear spring water, a suitable fire to boil water, skill in steeping tea, and deep understanding of tea connoisseurship. From a variety of ancient tea books comes a broader perspective and deeper insight into the topics that surround the tea drinking experience. The ancient Chinese held tea and the various types of tea in high regard for its medicinal and rejuvenating properties. They prized the teas that grew high in the mountains, in crags and crevices in the rocks. They believed that tea was best brewed with pure, clean, mountain spring water, and that fire should be from clean and natural sources since properly heated water would define the subtle tastes of the tea. Using the proper utensils enhanced the taste and experience of tea drinking. And they believed that where you had your tea, along with the people with whom you shared the experience, all determine the value of the tea. The Ancient Art of Tea contains vital information to assist tea drinkers in their quest for yet another pot of delicious tea. This book teaches the two fundamental secrets to tea as practiced in ancient China—technique and taste. These exemplify some of the basic concepts of the philosophy of tea, which greatly enhances tea enjoyment. Not only an exhaustive source of tea knowledge, The Ancient Art of Tea is also a significant volume in the study of Chinese tea and is sure to become a classic in itself.

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.

After water, tea is the most frequently consumed beverage on the face of the earth. In ancient China tea was regarded as one of the seven daily necessities of life; for many Japanese it has served as a ritual element in the quest for enlightenment. In England afternoon tea holds an immutable place in the popular imagination, while in the United States it is often associated with the American Revolution.--While various teas have been prepared in an assortment of ways and have played parts in countless culinary practices, it is also important to note that tea is and nearly always has been a highly important commodity. As such, it has played a variety of striking and often paradoxical roles on the world stage--an ancient health remedy, an element of cultural practice, a source of profound spiritual insights, but also a catalyst for brutal international conflict, drug trafficking, crushing taxes, and horrific labor conditions.--In the course of Steeped in History, editor Beatrice Hohenegger and eleven distinguished historians and art historians trace the impact of tea from its discovery in ancient China to the present-day tea plantations of Assam, crossing oceans and continents in the process. In so doing, they examine the multitude of ways in which tea has figured in the visual and literary arts. These include not only the myriad vessels fashioned for the preparation, presentation, and consumption of tea but also tea-related scenes embellishing ceramics and textiles and forming the subject of paintings, drawings, caricature, songs, and poetry.--Beatrice Hohenegger is an independent scholar and author of Liquid Jade: The Story of Tea from East to West.-- Other contributors are Terese Tse Bartholomew, Barbara G. Carson, Patricia J. Graham, Dennis Hirota, Elizabeth Kolsky, Jane T. Merritt, Steven D. Owyoung, Woodruff D. Smith, Reiko Tanimura, Angus Trumble, and John E. Wills Jr.-

The fine art of preparing and drinking tea has become a hallmark ofChinese civilization. In his latest book, Daniel Reid explores Chinesetea in its manifold varieties, its long and colorful historicaldevelopment in China, and the fine art of preparing and drinking it, atradition handed down through the agesby monks and martial artists,and emperors. He describes the principles that lie at the heart oftea culture in China, the potent medicinal properties of Chinese tea,and how to cultivate Cha Dao, the Daoist way of tea, in daily life.Illustrated with many photographs by Christan Janzen, the book containsdetailed descriptions of many Chinese tea varieties, as well asentertaining tea anecdotes from the author's 'Tea Tidings'bulletin, and a useful glossary of Chinese tea terms.

With its emphasis on ritual and aesthetics, the ceremonial presentation of tea provides a fascinating introduction to many aspects of Japanese culture. In the popular classic The Book of Tea, Japanese scholar Okakura Kakuzo seeks to explain "the way of tea" to westerners, in the hope that they will understand this insightful ritual as far more than the offering of a mere brewed beverage. His profound, poetic work explores the history of tea as well as the subtler Zen spirituality behind the centuries-old ceremony. This beautifully designed kit contains Kakuzo's Book of Tea plus utensils to use in recreating the tea ceremony at home: a traditional bowl and split bamboo whisk. It's a wonderful way to get in touch with life's pure and simple pleasures and to learn to savor a bowl of tea in the most eloquent way.

For beginners and long-time tea lovers alike, this engaging book explains the practice of tasseomancy, or reading tea leaves. The hands-on exercises and activities are complemented by background information on the history of tea, growing tea plants, tea drying and processing, and the best equipment and techniques for brewing. Rather than the mystical focus usually associated with reading tea leaves, this presentation emphasizes rational and intuitive processes such as learning old traditions, observing carefully, finding patterns, and enjoying a few minutes of concentration.