China has a long history of Tea culture. Incorporating tea into couplets has become a unique cultural form known as tea couplets. Many teahouses, tea rooms, and tea shops often display such couplets at their entrances, as do venues for tea ceremonies and tea rituals. These couplets, often penned by famous calligraphers, exude an air of antiquity and elegance. Throughout history, literati and scholars have savored tea to indulge in leisure, leaving behind countless meaningful tales of tea couplets.
According to “Hangzhou Traditions,” a Teahouse named Ouxiangju by the West Lake in Hangzhou once hung a couplet that was quite intriguing. The upper and lower halves were taken from different poems by Su Dongpo: “Desiring to compare the West Lake with Xi Zi; always fine tea resembles fine ladies.” This couplet not only had perfect antithesis and smooth rhythm but also came from the same poet's works, making it seem seamless and a stroke of genius.
A tea house in ancient Shu (modern-day Sichuan) also sold alcohol. Despite being located in a bustling area, business was poor. So, the owner asked a scholar to write a couplet for the tea house: “Busy for fame, busy for profit, find time amidst busyness, let's have a cup of tea; mind labors, body labors, find joy amidst hardships, pour another cup of wine.” This couplet acted like a key to one's heart, advising people to view life correctly and discard the shackles of fame and wealth, urging them to seek and enjoy the pleasures of life. Due to its unique and insightful content, as well as its accessibility to both the educated and uneducated, many people came to admire it, and the tea house's business improved significantly.
The renowned modern writer Zhou Erfu, during his visit to Nantianmen on Mount Heng in Nanyue, composed a couplet for a nearby tea house: “Arriving at Nantianmen, take a rest, have a cup of tea; climbing Zhurong Peak, admire the mountains, bring a cloud back.” This couplet, blending elegance and simplicity, is infinitely enjoyable and bears a striking resemblance to the tea house couplet from Shu in its charm.
A tea pavilion in Zhubili, Zhejiang Province, had a couplet: “A scoop of sweet spring water, good for washing away the heat of travelers; the two-headed mountain road, must warn passersby of danger.” This couplet carried profound meaning, describing the fragrant tea brewed from the local spring water and the geographical characteristics of Zhubili.
A tea pavilion outside the south gate of Fuzhou once displayed a couplet: “Mountains are beautiful, waters are beautiful, open the door and laugh without worries; coming in a hurry, going in a hurry, drink a few cups of tea before parting ways.” The entire couplet is easy to understand and imparts moral teachings, leaving readers enlightened.
Zheng Banqiao, a representative figure of the “Eight Eccentrics of Yangzhou” in the Qing Dynasty, was a master of writing tea couplets. Among the numerous couplets he penned, one goes: “Sweep bamboo leaves to Brew tea leaves; chop pine roots to cook vegetable roots.” This couplet combines the refined tastes of literati with the earthly flavors of ordinary folk, rich in the joys of daily life and reflecting the author's tranquil disposition.
The Linhai Teahouse in Hangzhou, built during the late Qing and early Republican eras, featured a couplet written by Fan Zengxiang: “A short stay is best, have a taste of Zhaozhou tea; returning can be delayed, let's sing together about flowers on the field paths.” The upper half quotes the Chan Master Zhaozhou Congshen from “The Transmission of the Lamp,” suggesting visitors slow down, have some tea, and appreciate the scenery. The lower half references Su Dongpo's “Flowers on the Field Paths,” implying that life is rare and should be enjoyed leisurely rather than hurriedly.
A teahouse by the Pearl River in Guangzhou had a long couplet at its entrance: “New friends, old friends, a spring night's appointment should be honest, ask what night it is tonight? The same moonlight and lamplight, where to search? Here is good, there is good, the scenery is so enjoyable, the fun never ends, how about the front and back, several teahouses and taverns, all worth lingering over.” This couplet is lengthy yet catchy, summarizing the scenic features of the place, immersing patrons in the surrounding landscape while they sip their tea.
In Guangzhou, there is a teahouse called “Taotaoju,” which once held a couplet contest using the word “tao tao” as the theme. One couplet received much praise: “Tao Qian enjoyed drinking, Yi Ya enjoyed cooking, both with moderation; Tao Kan cherished every minute, Xia Yu cherished every inch, leaving nothing wasted!” This couplet cleverly incorporates the names of four historical figures—Tao Qian, Yi Ya, Tao Kan, and Xia Yu—and uses four allusions, namely Tao Qian's love for drinking, Yi Ya's love for cooking, Tao Kan's thriftiness, and Xia Yu's frugality. It skillfully embeds the word “tao tao” at the beginning of each line, revealing the tea house's tea-making skills and business characteristics in a fitting manner, earning widespread admiration.
A small teahouse in Quanzhou, Fujian Province, displayed a couplet: “A small world, a grand occasion, give me a seat; discuss heroes, talk about past and present, have a few cups.” This couplet discusses the past and present in simple, down-to-earth language, presenting clear reasoning and leaving admirers in awe.
The Longjing Tea Hall named “Xiucuilou” near the West Lake in Hangzhou had a couplet: “Spring water from the rock is better when cold; tea from the peak is more mellow.” This couplet comes from the poem “Testing Tea” by Chen Jiru of the Ming dynasty, ingeniously encapsulating the characteristics of Longjing tea.
The Liantang Park in Xi'an once housed a “Qiyuan Teahouse,” whose entrance featured a couplet: “Strange, isn't it? Not strange! Yet strange! Garden, isn't it? It is a garden! Yet not a garden!” This couplet embeds the words “strange” and “garden” four times, with questions and answers, carrying deep meaning. According to local historical records, this teahouse served as a secret communication station for the Communist Party. When the teahouse opened, underground party members wrote this couplet with hidden meanings, imbuing it with revolutionary spirit and leaving readers with much to ponder.