Inferring Wealth and Social Status from Facial Features

In physiognomy, a person’s facial features are thought to reveal not only intelligence or folly but also wealth or poverty. If even one feature is well-formed, the person is said to enjoy ten years of good fortune; if all features are well-formed, they are believed to enjoy a lifetime of wealth and honor. As the “Great Harmony Poem” says: “One feature brings ten years of power and wealth; a well-formed face brings ten years of prosperity.” The key is to assess a person’s features as a whole, never in isolation.

In classical physiognomy, the five key features are the eyebrows, eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. These features are central to the practice, and each has its own traditional terminology. Common terms include:

• The eyebrows are known as the longevity feature;
• The eyes are known as the observation feature;
• The ears are known as the hearing feature;
• The nose is known as the discernment feature;
• The mouth is known as the wealth feature.

On Eyebrows

Eyebrows are the canopy of the eyes and represent the face’s dignity. Broad, clear, long brows that are well-defined at the temples, full at both ends, and set high on the forehead are considered excellent.

In general, sparse yet graceful, flat yet broad, and long brows point to natural intelligence; thick, unruly brows suggest stubbornness. Brows that extend past the eyes foretell wealth; short brows that end before the eyes suggest limited means. High-set brows signal strong character and a promising future, while drooping brows imply timidity. Brows that meet in the middle predict poor fortune. Prominent cheekbones point to a fierce temperament and a difficult path. Dark flecks within the brows denote exceptional intelligence. White hairs in the brows are said to indicate longevity. Numerous vertical lines in the brows suggest great fortune; numerous horizontal lines suggest poverty.

On Eyes

Just as the heavens are lit by the sun and moon, we rely on our eyes for vision. Their clarity or dullness is believed to reflect a person’s character. Bright eyes with a clear distinction between the whites and the pupils, and well-formed, radiant pupils, are considered excellent.

Typically, long, deep, glossy eyes indicate future wealth. Eyes as black as lacquer suggest intelligence. Eyes with a hidden spark point to excellent fortune. Narrow, deep-set eyes suggest longevity but also a cunning nature. Bulging eyes are said to indicate a short life. Eyes with distinctly defined black and white and attractive crow’s feet are called phoenix eyes, indicating a fondness for wine and keen intelligence. Round, bright eyes are called dragon eyes. Large, round eyes with commanding presence are known as tiger eyes. Eyes that seem to smile, with double eyelids, are called peach blossom eyes. When the whites are more prominent than the blacks, giving a lifeless upward-looking gaze, they are called sheep eyes, indicating a fierce nature. Small, round, very dark eyes with a greenish tinge are known as snake eyes. Deep, round eyes with more black than white signal intelligence. Eyes that gleam with a reddish flash, like lightning, suggest uniqueness.

On Nose

On the face, the nose is like the central peak among the five mountains. In the five elements it corresponds to earth and is associated with the lungs. An excellent nose is upright and well-formed, with a high bridge connecting to the forehead, a prominent tip, and a smooth, bright complexion.

Generally, a rounded tip with nostrils that are neither set too high nor exposed, and nostrils that are well-proportioned, indicates a bright future. A sunken bridge suggests difficulty accumulating wealth. Exposed, pointed nostrils form a “heron nose,” indicating loneliness and poverty. A smooth, full bridge points to wealth, while a dark, thin bridge suggests poverty. A strong, bony bridge indicates longevity. Large but not exposed nostrils suggest intelligence. A tip that is both pointed and rounded indicates artistic talent. A bridge like a sword’s spine suggests a strong character.

On Ears

In traditional thought, the ears correspond to the kidneys; robust kidney energy leads to keen hearing, while weak kidney energy dulls it. Ears that are bright in color, set high above the eyebrows, with clear contours and thick, fleshy shape, are considered excellent.

Overall, regardless of size, ears with clear contours and fleshy lobes indicate good fortune. A wide inner ear suggests intelligence. Ears that point upward indicate ambition, while drooping ears suggest a lack of courage. Thick flesh below the ears that hangs like pearls indicates both intelligence and a promising future. Fine ear hairs are said to suggest longevity. Irregular, exposed contours indicate a lifetime of hard work. A pointed upper rim suggests a strong character. Dull, lifeless ears hint at health issues. Smooth ears with a healthy red-and-white hue suggest wealth. Thick, high-set ears indicate longevity. A black mole on the rim suggests intelligence, while a black mole inside the ear indicates long life.

On Mouth

The mouth is the gateway for speech and nourishment. A well-formed, wide mouth with full, red lips and clear contours is considered excellent.

Typically, a well-shaped, substantial mouth indicates trustworthiness and a dislike of deceit. A bow-shaped mouth that turns up slightly at the corners, with clear outlines, well-aligned teeth, and a deep, long philtrum, points to cleverness and a promising future. A wide mouth lacking clear contours is called a “laboring mouth,” suggesting an unlikable nature. A square mouth suggests a life of abundance. A pinched-looking mouth indicates poverty. A mouth wide enough to fit a fist suggests limitless potential.