Millstone Lion Head Walnuts, commonly called “Mopan”, are named for their resemblance to ancient stone millstones. As one of the most famous and beloved varieties in the Wenwan world, they are praised for their extremely low, rounded form and their unmatched, soothing handfeel—often referred to as the gold standard of “hand-therapy walnuts.”
Key Features
• Extreme Shape (Its Most Famous Feature)
Known by the saying “Nine out of ten are crooked—one perfect pair is rare,” Mopan walnuts are naturally characterized by uneven shoulders. Finding a pair with perfectly aligned shoulders is considered exceptional.
Their profile is ultra-low and wide, with a plump, rounded belly—cute and compact like small pumpkins or persimmons.
• Texture & Exceptional Comfort
The patterns are usually shallow, fine, and smooth, resembling the lines found on real millstones.
Because the ribs are gentle and rounded, Mopan offers one of the best tactile experiences among all Wenwan varieties—warm, full, silky, and never sharp. Perfect for long, meditative play.
• Heavy, Dense, and Satisfying
Despite their low shape, the density is extremely high, giving them a weighty, “drop-like” feel often described as holding two tiny iron weights.
• Fast Patina Development
High oil content and excellent shell quality allow these walnuts to darken and polish quickly. Players can achieve a satisfying “achievement red” patina—often called Oxford Red—in a short time.
• Beloved by Beginners & Experts Alike
Beginners love the comfort and quick color change, making it easy to stick with.
Experienced collectors seek those rare, perfectly matched pairs with ideal alignment and shape.
Summary
The Millstone Lion Head walnut pair is a phenomenon-level variety renowned for its superb handfeel, unique low-rounded profile, and rapid patina development. It may not have the boldest lines, but it is undoubtedly one of the most comforting, addictive, and loyal Wenwan companions you can own.
