The Significance of Harmony in Facial Features and Overall Appearance
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Physical entities exist, and it is through a physical body that life is possible. Life brings about mental activity and specific physiological functions. The form embodies the Five Elements, the state of motion, and the qualities of yin and yang, strength and softness—all of which are expressed through appearance, sound, and emotions, each reflecting its unique image. The body and bones form the foundation of one's appearance. Therefore, to discuss someone's appearance, one must first consider the body and bones, which refer to a person's physical looks. In ancient times, a distinction was made between "容" (appearance) and "貌" (features), with "容" relating to the body and "貌" referring specifically to the face. Since each person's appearance is unique, which attributes are deemed valuable?
According to the "Ice Mirror," a person's appearance is valued for its "harmony." When various body parts "complement each other, blessings arise; if they are mismatched, they are not worth discussing." The value of harmony in appearance does not pertain to mere tidiness. "Short should not be squat, tall should not resemble a reed; fat should not be bloated, thin should not be frail." This implies that being short is acceptable if one is upright and strong, not hunched like a pig; if tall, one should be steady, not swaying like a reed in the wind; being plump should not mean being bloated and weak, much like a bear; being thin should mean possessing strong bones and muscles, not weak or frail like a trembling magpie in the cold.
"Harmony" also refers to the balanced proportion of the face's three segments, with equilibrium between heaven and earth, and the alignment of the five mountains. "Harmony" requires broad and strong shoulders and back, a stable and robust posture, and a gait as though bearing a load; a flat and full abdomen with soft and warm hands; a thick instep and a curved arch with enough space to conceal an egg (or a turtle). A body with "five short and many valuable" features is favorable, while "two long" should not be emphasized. The "five short" are valuable as long as they maintain proportion and complement one another with beauty and coordination; if the legs are excessively long, it is not considered a good appearance. If one has a body like a mouse, they may be greedy for wealth. Even if the hands are longer than the body or the upper body is long and the lower body short, a good bone structure still makes it a valuable appearance.
The form integrates the meanings of yin and yang, with men representing strength and assertiveness aligned with yang, while women embody softness and charm aligned with yin. Accordingly, women should have red lips and white teeth, with graceful, gentle movements; men should possess round and robust ears and noses, exhibiting respectful and dignified gestures. If a woman exhibits masculine traits, with large eyes, a strong voice, coarse skin, and heavy steps, it indicates a less desirable feminine appearance. Conversely, if a man appears feminine, with small eyebrows, delicate eyes, pale skin, and a soft voice, it reflects a poor masculine appearance. There is dignity in being formidable; nobility in a respectable form; charm in a pleasing appearance; artistry in prominent bones; merely being plump and shiny does not convey worth.
Uneven features indicate an ordinary person; eyes with a lot of purple signify a fierce person; eyes with a lot of red suggest malice; eyes with a lot of white indicate lewdness; eyes with a lot of yellow signal a sickly person; eyes with a lot of blue are likened to a truly noble person; drooping eyes suggest separation from others; eyes that combine masculine and feminine traits suggest a diverse personality. Physically: a tortoise or crane-like body suits officials, indicating wealth and nobility. A sparrow or jackal-like body signifies a broken home. A pointed head and thin brain indicate a wanderer. Exposed teeth and a prominent throat suggest loss in one's hometown.