The “Classic of Tea” (《茶经》) stands as the earliest, most comprehensive, and revered treatise on tea that exists in China and the world. Penned by Lu Yu, a prominent figure in Chinese tea culture, this masterpiece is hailed as the encyclopedia of tea. Lu Yu, also known as Lu Hongjian, lived during the Tang dynasty (around 733–804 AD) and hailed from Jingling, present-day Tianmen in Hubei Province, China.
According to historical records, Lu Yu was abandoned due to his unattractive appearance, left as an orphan around the year 733. His parentage remains a mystery, but he was discovered and subsequently raised by Monk Zhi Ji, the abbot of Longgai Monastery, on the shores of West Lake outside the western gate of Jingling.
Growing up amidst the dim light of candles, the chanting of Buddhist scriptures, and the “sounds of the bells,” Lu Yu learned to read and write. Although surrounded by the serene atmosphere of Buddhist teachings, he didn’t commit to the Buddhist faith and chose not to become a monk, despite being groomed in Buddhist practices. At the age of 12, he joined a theatrical troupe, showcasing his talents as an actor despite his unremarkable appearance and slight speech impediment. His humor and wit made him successful in performing comedic roles, and he later compiled a three-volume book of jokes called “Xu Tan” (《谑谈》).
His fortunes changed when Li Qiwu, the Prefect of Jingling, witnessed Lu Yu’s remarkable performance at a local gathering. Impressed by his talents and aspirations, Li Qiwu gifted him books and poetry, recommending him to study under Master Zou residing in the seclusion of Huomen Mountain. In 752, Lu Yu bid farewell to Master Zou and descended the mountain, coincidentally meeting Cui Guofu, a colleague of Li Qiwu. The two developed a close friendship, often embarking on trips together, discussing poetry, literature, and indulging in tea tasting.
In 756, Lu Yu embarked on a journey to explore matters related to tea, traveling through the mountains and rivers of Bashan and Xianchuan. Before his departure, Cui Guofu presented him with a white donkey, a black ox, and a letter written on paulownia paper. Along the way, he stopped at mountains to pick tea leaves, sampled water from springs, overwhelmed by the abundance and unable to capture everything in writing, but the experiences filled his collection.
By 758, Lu Yu arrived in Shengzhou (present-day Nanjing, Jiangsu Province), lodging at Qixia Monastery, delving deeper into the study of tea. The following year, he moved to Danyang. In 760, Lu Yu settled in Tiaoxi (present-day Wuxing, Zhejiang Province), retreating to the mountains, where he secluded himself to pen the “Classic of Tea.” During this period, he often roamed the countryside, dressed in simple attire, exploring tea gardens and springs, assessing tea quality and water.
The “Classic of Tea” comprises over 7,000 characters, divided into three volumes – upper, middle, and lower – comprising ten chapters. Systematically summarizing the state of tea development, production, processing, and consumption before the mid-Tang dynasty, Lu Yu deeply explores the cultural significance of tea drinking. He elevated tea consumption from a mere daily habit to an art form and an aesthetic pursuit, immortalizing its essence within his work.
