Leisurely Thoughts

Author: Li Yu (Qing) and Li ZhuJun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Lin Yutang: In Li Liyong's works, there is an important part dedicated to the study of the joys of life, serving as a miniature guide to the art of Chinese living. It covers everything from living spaces and gardens, interior decoration, and room divisions to women's grooming, beauty, applying makeup, the art of cooking, and a series of delicacies. It explores methods for both the rich and the poor to seek joy, ways to dispel melancholy and boredom throughout the year, moderation in sexual life, and prevention and treatment of diseases.
In A Random Sketch of Leisure, Li Yu recorded many experiences in tea appreciation. In Volume Four, "The Department of Living Spaces," there is a section titled "Tea Ware," which focuses on the selection of tea utensils and the storage of tea. He believed that Yanxi sand teapots were the best among tea brewing utensils, but he strongly disapproved of the excessive obsession with Zisha teapots during his time, which detached them from actual tea drinking. He argued: "When arranging objects, one should prioritize their utility; why must one resort to obscure and mystical explanations?" He conducted a thorough study on the relationship between the form of a teapot and its practicality: "When crafting a tea pot, its spout must be straight. Buyers should also prioritize this. If the spout is too curved, it can cause concern, and if it is excessively curved, it should be considered a waste. The reason for storing tea is different from storing wine. Wine has no residue and can be poured out immediately, so the curvature of the spout is irrelevant. Tea, however, is a solid substance. Tiny leaves of tea, when placed in water, expand into large pieces. When pouring, even a tiny bit of tea entering the spout can block the flow. Drinking tea is a delightful experience, but if the tea cannot be poured out, it becomes extremely frustrating. A straight spout ensures no such issue, and even if it sometimes gets clogged, it can be cleared. Unlike the nine-curves of Wuyi, which are difficult to clear with force."