The Classic of Tea

The Classic of Tea, written by Lu Yu of the Tang dynasty, is the earliest surviving and most complete comprehensive treatise on tea in China and the world. Hailed as an encyclopedia of tea, it covers the history, origins, and state of tea production, as well as cultivation techniques, the art of drinking tea, and the principles of the tea ceremony. It is a landmark work in tea studies, a profound agricultural treatise, and a book explaining tea culture. By elevating the everyday practice of drinking tea into a refined cultural art, it helped advance the development of Chinese tea culture.