Apple Garden Lion Head Walnuts, commonly known as “Apple Garden,” are named for their plump, apple-like shape. As one of the “old noble” varieties within the Lion Head family, they are treasured for their iconic bottom structure and their warm, jade-like tactile quality—highly favored by experienced players.
Key Features
• Perfect Round Shape (Its Most Defining Highlight)
Apple Garden walnuts are known for exceptional roundness in all directions.
Full shoulders tapering gently downward, a rich, rounded belly, and an apple-like crown when viewed from above.
From every angle, they demonstrate the beauty of perfect roundness, making them one of the most iconic round-profile varieties.
• The Unique “Coin Base” (Money Base)
This is the most important identifying trait.
Instead of a flat bottom, Apple Garden walnuts have a slightly concave base with a small, delicate diamond-shaped navel.
Around it forms a raised circular edge resembling an ancient copper coin—known as the “money base” or “pocket base.”
Examining the bottom is the most reliable way to confirm an Apple Garden pair.
• Elegant Texture & Smooth Handfeel
The patterns are fine, delicate, and graceful—often with scroll-like or auspicious-cloud motifs.
Depth is moderate and continuous, complemented by wide, rounded ribs that give the walnuts a silky, warm, non-aggressive touch.
Very comfortable for daily, long-term play.
• Excellent Shell Quality & Color Development
High density, solid weight, and a crisp feel in the hand.
Coloring speed is medium to slightly fast, producing a vibrant bright-red tone.
Once “jade-ified,” the translucence is striking—similar to red agate.
• Distinctive Personality
Compared with the fiery White Lion Head or the cute, grounded Millstone variety, Apple Garden carries a refined, scholarly, gentle aura—often regarded as the “literati’s walnut.”
Summary
Apple Garden Lion Head walnuts are a classic variety defined by perfect roundness, the signature money base, and a warm, jade-like handfeel. It is understated yet deeply sophisticated—an ideal choice for players who appreciate detail, delicacy, and rich cultural refinement.
