Si Zuo Lou Lion Head Walnut

Sizuolou Lion Head gets its name from the historic Sizuolou Mountain in Pinggu, Beijing, and is world-famous for its majestic, well-proportioned shape and signature 3D chrysanthemum-petal base (the ultimate authenticity marker). It features a short dwarf pile, squared-off flat shoulders, plump rounded belly, thick uniform edges, and a rounded mountain-shaped blunt tip that resists chipping during play. The grain is a neat, flowing cascading pattern with strong layering—touchably textured without being scratchy. The skin has a rich waxy ginger-yellow finish, ultra-high density, and abundant natural oils; it delivers a satisfying heavy heft in hand and a crisp metallic ring when tapped. Patina progression is smooth and rewarding: pale yellow → warm amber → vibrant cinnabar red → translucent jade-like deep jujube red, developing a glossy glass-like luster over time. When selecting pairs, avoid common flaws: lopsided piles, uneven edge thickness, blunted/chipped tips, and distorted chrysanthemum bases. Grafted sizes typically range from 40–44mm (42mm is the golden hand-roll size; 45mm+ specimens are rare premium pieces with significant collector value). It matures in late August to early September; favored by both entry-level players and veteran collectors, perfect for daily hand rolling, cultural gifting, and long-term collection investment.