Lu Yu (author of "The Classic of Tea")

Lu Yu was an influential Chinese scholar and tea expert during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), best known for writing "The Classic of Tea." This pioneering work, completed around the 8th century, codified the cultural, artistic, and practical aspects of tea drinking, shaping China's tea tradition. His insights detailed tea cultivation, preparation, and appreciation, elevating tea from a simple beverage to a refined cultural practice. Lu Yu's contributions laid the foundation for China's enduring tea culture and influenced tea appreciation worldwide, making him a revered figure in both Chinese history and the cultural history of tea.