Zhong Kui

Shu Pu-erh tea cake, named after the hero of Chinese folklore, Zhong Kui. According to legend, Zhong Kui had a rather unusual appearance from a young age. He was of enormous height, had a thick, unruly beard, dark, almost black skin, and large bulging eyes with a bold sparkle. His neighbors respected and feared him. Despite his rough appearance, he studied diligently, preparing for the imperial exams to become an official. After ten years of study, he went to the capital and passed the exams brilliantly, taking first place among the candidates.

According to the laws of that time, the first-place winner received an extraordinary honor. He was allowed to enter the palace through the main gates, a privilege reserved only for the emperor, and the certificate of office and official regalia were presented by the emperor himself. However, upon seeing him, the emperor refused to personally hand the certificate to this ‘ugly man,’ and the certificate was instead presented by other officials. Zhong Kui, being a very pure and honest man, was deeply saddened that they focused only on his frightening appearance and did not appreciate his knowledge. In despair, he smashed his head against the palace steps and died.

Some time later, the emperor was tormented by demons, appearing to him in his dreams. No remedies or spells helped. The emperor could not sleep and became ill. One day, after briefly falling asleep, he saw Zhong Kui in a dream, who, with his bulging eyes and swinging a huge sword, chased away all the demons that had come to torment the emperor, tearing some of them to pieces. After this, the demons no longer appeared to the emperor. An imperial decree was immediately issued, appointing Zhong Kui as the ruler over demons and evil spirits. In popular tradition, images of Zhong Kui are used as protective amulets for *Bi Xie* (辟邪), meaning ‘warding off pathogenic Qi,’ or simply as protection against evil spirits. Zhong Kui is one of the main and most beloved heroes of Chinese tales and legends.

The tea leaves were harvested in Menghai County, Yunnan Province, from wild trees on Mengsong Mountain. The flavor is thick, deep, and distinct, with a pronounced woody note and a long-lasting sweet aftertaste. The sensation is soft, fluffy, and very comfortable. This is a tea you’ll want to return to again and again.