Assess the foundation before the appearance

This is an English reading overview of the Chinese article, rather than a complete translation. The Chinese source has been updated since this overview was prepared; consult the original for the latest details.

The central idea

Risk checks come first. Then consider density in the hand, sound and comparative condition, alongside the surface and natural character. Shell quality is a practical combined judgment about the foundation for long-term handling. Avoid replacing it with a single number or an impressive-looking photograph. The article treats shell quality as the foundation supporting long-term handling. Inspect solidity, density in the hand, firmness and structure, alongside surface behaviour and natural character. A walnut that looks attractive still needs this underlying assessment, and weight alone does not establish it. Assess solidity, density in the hand, sound, structural stability, natural surface behaviour and long-term feedback together. Shell quality is a combined collector judgment. Neither a heavy weight, a large size nor one sound can replace that assessment. First establish that treatment and damage risks are under control. Guzhi describes the combined underlying shell structure and long-term handling foundation. Consider density in the hand, sound, firmness, structural stability, natural surface response and longer-term feedback. It is not simply a weight measurement. Assess it after risk checks and before comparing size or pairing.