The Chinese Art of Tea

By John Blofeld

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0367673339
• ISBN13: 9780367673338
• Release Date: November 2023
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
• Length: 202 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.8" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Wonderful Book

This is a great introductin to Chinese tea, its history and all of its incredible variety. I bought it in preparation for my first trip to China, and found it invaluable. I was not aware that there was much beyond black (red) tea, green tea and Jasmine. The depth of taste in puer (aged tea), ti guan yin (Iron Kuan Yin) and da hung bao (Great Red Robe) is amazing. It is like having a whole new world open up. This book should stay in print forever, it is a classic. By the way, if you do go to Beijing, go to Maliandao, the street of tea shops -- at least a thousand of them. What an experience! Sadlym the tea houses in Beijing have gotten so expensive that a cup of tea can run $200 - $1,000 in US money! But there are bargains on Maliandao. Just take your book with you. And enjoy! That, after all, is Cha Dao -- the Way of Tea.

Lao's review

Includes history, poems and treatises about tea, tea houses, ceremonies, brewing, cups and vessels, varieties, and the effect that tea has on the physical health and psyche. Everything you need to know about Chinese teas is contained in this book. A very welcome addition to anyone's culinary library!

mmmm ..... Pu-erh

Great in-depth overview of the varieties of tea and drinking vessels! You need this book.

An absolute WEALTH of knowledge

This man, though not Chinese, truly knows his subject and loves it. It shows all through the book. its a masterpiece! a simply MUST HAVE for all admirers of tea or the Chinese culture/ppl/way. Perhaps in a way it is fitting that the author is not Chinese. It shows that even a barbarian [foreigner] can learn something so different when he has enough love and time and determination.

makes me want to drink tea

lovely book. a good introduction to tea, taoism, and silence