China Tea Classics

Author: Yu Yue, Editor-in-Chief, Gong Jianhua, Author
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-12-01
Features: The Chinese Tea Treasury not only includes the tea literature and texts commonly understood as tea classics but also incorporates tea legends and tea collections. Without these, the term "tea classics" would hold no meaning. Although the three meanings of "three classics" are distinct, it is difficult to clearly separate them, as they inherently intertwine with one another. If one were to forcibly label this as a classic, that as a collection, and the other as a legend, it would inevitably be impractical. For instance, Lu Yu's Record of Guzhu Mountain can be categorized as a classic, yet since it is entirely filled with tea legends, why couldn’t it also be classified as a legend? Similarly, when we speak of qu (a form of classical Chinese poetry), our focus is on the lyrical texts, thus placing it in the category of classics. However, if viewed from the perspective of qu tunes, they are closely linked to music, making them collectible artistic works—why couldn’t they also be considered as collections? The interweaving of these three aspects is a fact, and what we aim to do is to clearly and clearly explain the "classics" of tea culture, allowing people to wander among them and pluck a few flowers. Tea is meant to be savored, for the purpose is to derive the essence of life and the meaning of life from drinking tea. And to savor Chinese tea well and appreciate its profound connotations and subtleties, one must have some understanding of tea classics, legends, and collections. Su Dongpo playfully referred to tea as "Lord Leaf," a character inherently pure, who carefully selects his friends and rare companions. Therefore, let us open the rich treasure trove of Chinese tea culture and wander within it, striving to become a loyal friend of Lord Leaf.