Nine Sacred Bones in Ancient Lore

As the ancients said, "Without distinct bones, achieving a noble appearance is difficult." These "distinct bones" are known as the "Nine Noble Bones." In ancient physiognomy, it was believed that possessing these nine bones signified a person of high status. A renowned figure who discussed this theory was Zeng Guofan, who introduced the Nine Noble Bones in his work "Ice Mirror." Today, let's delve into the knowledge of these Nine Noble Bones.

1. Heavenly Court Bone: Located just below the hair bun, this bone should rise prominently and be full. A well-developed Heavenly Court is regarded as a sign of nobility. The saying "Heavenly Court is full" relates to this feature.

2. Crown Bone: Positioned at the top of the head, it should be flat and generally protruding for the best appearance.

3. Cheekbone: Found below the eyes, this bone should be strong and extend straight to the temples, neither sharp nor tight, neither floating nor leaking, achieving a balanced and ideal appearance.

4. Nose Bone: Extending from the "Year of Life" to the "Mountain Root," and linking to the "Yintang" (the space between the eyebrows). A strong and upright nose bone, often described as "like a hanging gallbladder," is considered beautiful.

5. Eyebrow Bone: Located beneath the eyebrows, this bone should be visible but not overly prominent, similar to a rhino horn.

6. Sun Bone: Starts at the ends of the eyebrows and connects at the temples, with a straight upward orientation being ideal.

7. Occipital Bone: The bone at the back of the head, also known as the "back of the head," should be full and prominent, suggesting wealth and nobility.

8. Nape Bone: Found at the back of the neck where it connects to the spine and skull, this bone should be subtle, not overly prominent.

9. Sideburn Bone: Located at the temples, slanting upward towards the crown like a child's pigtail, this bone should be clearly defined and strong, often referred to as "prominent features."

Ancient physiognomy emphasizes the significance of bone structure, which goes beyond mere attractiveness to reveal inner qualities. Bone structure is believed to reflect a person's true nature, increasing the likelihood of prosperity and nobility. Conversely, focusing only on facial features can lead to errors in judgment—some may have striking faces yet lack depth, while others may not be traditionally attractive but still come from wealth. Thus, bone structure should always be the priority!