Speak Spring

Author: Ruan Haogeng
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-04-01
Features: Throughout history, whenever the topic of tea is mentioned, it is always discussed alongside water. Upholding the thoughts of ancient philosophers, the fusion of fine tea and true water is the ultimate enjoyment and the highest realm. In the Ming Dynasty, Xu Cishu wrote in Tea Notes: "Fine tea harbors fragrance, which is released through water; without water, one cannot speak of tea." The Ming Dynasty tea enthusiast Zhang Daifu explained it even more profoundly in Notes from Plum Blossom Studio: "The nature of tea must be awakened by water. Tea that is eight parts good, when met with ten parts good water, becomes ten parts good; tea that is eight parts good, when tested with ten parts good water, remains only eight parts good." In Tea Records, Zhang Yuan declared: "Tea is the spirit of water; water is the body of tea. Without true water, its spirit cannot be revealed; without fine tea, its body cannot be perceived." Thus, water quality directly affects tea quality. Tea culture is a popular lifestyle culture, enjoyed by both the refined and the common, suitable for all ages, and its fragrance spreads across the land. Different social strata and professions all have their own ways of drinking and appreciating tea, and they express their tea emotions, tea interests, and insights from tea through their respective literary and artistic skills. The Chinese Tea Culture Series connects these scattered aspects of tea culture. This series is not a serious academic work but rather blends scholarly knowledge with informativeness, interest, and literary charm. Its purpose is to introduce knowledge about tea culture, promote the fine national culture, and enhance people's appreciation of life. This book is one in the series, featuring masterpieces from ancient times to the present day that praise springs and tea.