Cha Jing/ Lu Yu

<Cha Jing> (<Classic of Tea>)

<Cha Jing> is the first Chinese book describing tea as its main subject. It has been the earliest and most systematic monograph on tea. The manuscript was written by Luyu and completed around 758 B.C.

This book consists of ten chapters in three volumes. Total amount of words is around 7000.  The first volume is on the nature, name and form of tea. The second volume is on the various tools used in tea harvest and manufacture. The last volume is on tea production specifying the method of planting, harvest and manufacture, along with identification method of quality.

Luyu did put much emphasis on his second volume of tools.  Apparently various tools taken in tea production and drinking have been listed down. However the prevailing impact it had on drinking tea and the criteria of tea appreciation together with its identification was established. Through words on specifying tea utility and spiritual awareness, the distinguished ceremony was constructed. From then on, tea was no longer a simple beverage but sublimed culture and art.