In the realm of physiognomy, the methods are diverse and the nomenclature abounds. Various aspects such as bone features, flesh features, form features, voice features, comportment features, and seated features exist. Even within facial analysis alone, it is subdivided into the nine provinces, eight trigrams, four seasonal colors, three halts, five senses, and twelve palaces. With the four realms, five districts, eight academies, five stars, six weekdays, and thirteen norms, the study of facial physiognomy becomes an intricate endeavor.
If we delve into the study of facial features, one may spend a lifetime without fully comprehending each aspect. It is imperative to select the essence, delve into its principles, and thereby gain a comprehensive understanding. In this context, the eyes, eyebrows, ears, nose, and mouth are the facial features that readers need to familiarize themselves with first.
The ear serves as the auditory official, eyebrows as the life-preserving official, eyes as the supervisory official, nose as the discerning official, and the mouth as the treasury official. When each official feature is auspicious, it foretells a decade of wealth and prosperity; when all facial features are propitious, the master shall enjoy a lifetime of affluence.
Chapter One – The Allure of Indulgence
1.1 Myriad Aspects of Peach Blossom Luck
“When we hear the term ‘peach blossom luck,’ it is not unfamiliar to us all. As the new year approaches, many of us bring home a peach blossom tree, not merely for decorative purposes, but with the hope of attracting peach blossom luck. This form of luck comes in various types, including genuine peach blossom, partial peach blossom, peach blossom on the face, and peach blossom in the eyes. Furthermore, there are ominous elements such as peach blossom robbery and peach blossom assassination – two aspects that undoubtedly find no favor with anyone.”
Some individuals possess an enchanting charisma that captivates observers. We can discern this allure in the gaze of their eyes, observing for the phenomenon known as “peach blossom eyes.” Such eyes exhibit a subtle, enigmatic smile, with the lower eyelids arched upwards and the palace of the eye appearing recessed, often with a hint of glistening tearfulness. This characteristic gaze is frequently observed in certain celebrities and performers, making them particularly well-suited for careers in the arts.
For ordinary women who possess peach blossom eyes, life tends to be more complicated. These women often exhibit the following traits: a propensity for melancholy, profound emotional emptiness, significant fluctuations in fortune with joy and sorrow alternating frequently, capriciousness, and an intense sensitivity that exudes an irresistible charm, capturing the hearts of onlookers. Consequently, individuals with such personalities often find themselves entangled in complex romantic entanglements, marked by frequent separations and painful endings. It is advisable for them to pursue careers in the arts, channeling their energies into creative pursuits, which promises remarkable achievements. Otherwise, their emotions, if left unchecked, may lead to unforeseen misfortunes, rendering their attractiveness futile in the face of adversity.
1.2 The Courtesan in Ancient Eyes
In Chinese physiognomy, an ancient and enduring tradition, there are still many practitioners today who adhere to the traditional methods of observation. However, Chinese physiognomy is an immensely profound discipline. In today’s rapidly advancing technological world, its credibility hinges on whether contemporary practitioners can analyze the wisdom left behind by their predecessors with a scientific mindset. In the ancient art of physiognomy, there exists an interpretation of the lascivious traits in women: “Eyes like autumn water, complexion akin to peach blossoms, with a half-smile brimming with affection.” It is also said, “Eyes that wander and eyes that reveal, denote a woman of licentious nature.” These explanations are not easily grasped by novice physiognomists, as there are myriad nuances at play. For instance, what truly constitutes “autumn water”? What defines “peach blossoms”? Deciphering these terms proves challenging indeed.
The phrase “eyes like autumn water” alone is enough to incite myriad conjectures, prompting thorough contemplation. It may be interpreted as eyes glistening like limpid pools. As for “complexion akin to peach blossoms,” it is a notion often achieved in modern times through cosmetic enhancement, imparting a radiant allure. Even without makeup, the slight blush around the eyes, commonly observed, may indicate such a phenomenon, believed to signify licentiousness, especially when accompanied by a half-smile suffused with affection.
Regarding “eyes that wander” and “eyes that reveal,” these methods of eye observation delve into the profound depths of physiognomy. Indeed, scrutinizing the eyes remains one of the most intricate aspects of this discipline.
In the previous discourse concerning the ancient perception of female lasciviousness, we now delve further into the analysis of “wandering gaze” and “revealing gaze,” attempting a more accessible elucidation. Despite their apparent similarity, these two traits possess distinct connotations and interpretations. The gaze of these two types, both representing instability and a glint in the eye, can be discerned as such: “Gleaming” refers to a strong light emanating from the eyes, converging into a point upon the eye. Women with such a gaze possess a fierce and impulsive nature, with intense desires and passions. They act boldly, exuding a charm that captivates men.
As for the “revealing gaze,” it is characterized by a flickering and elusive quality in the eyes. This type of gaze evokes feelings of affection upon first sight, yet in matters of love and life, it experiences great fluctuations—abounding in both love and hate, success and failure. In modern society, there are many such women, but in ancient times, they were exceedingly rare. Unable to thrive in a male-dominated society of antiquity, they had no outlet for their love and hatred, resorting only to the degradation of selling their allure for survival. In today’s society, both types of women, possessing an allure beyond the ordinary, encounter many benefactors on their life journey. As long as they adhere to principles and refrain from greed for sensual and material desires, they will shine as remarkable individuals.
Regarding women with “dark eye sockets,” it is common to observe in films that women portraying prostitutes often have dark circles under their eyes, giving them the appearance suited to their profession. However, in reality, many women have dark circles under their eyes. Does this mean they all belong to that profession? Certainly not! One must never generalize.
