According to Oroville's Chinese Temple and Museum, the family of Michael V. Pierce recently donated the stone. It was found in 2001 by the miner while working his claim in the North Yuba River near Clipper Mills. Since he discovered the stone deep under the mud, they believe it was dropped from the pocket of a Chinese miner during the 1850 gold rush times. They says stone carvings are the oldest known works of representational art. They say carved rocks will survive the longest, while painted works and other etchings might wear out. Many of the etchings were symbolic of good wishes or financial trade.
