What Are "Sheep Eyes" in Physiognomy?

In traditional physiognomy, eye shapes were classified into types such as dragon, turtle, lion, and sparrow, and were used to judge a person's character and fortune. Here, we introduce an eye shape considered inauspicious—the sheep eye.

I. Characteristics of Sheep Eyes

A verse says: “Sheep eyes are often yellowish with white sclera, looking downward and sideways, lacking clarity. Do not let a plump body lead to ruin; idleness invites treachery and murder.” Sheep eyes are marked by inner and outer corners that look alike, resembling two overlapping tiles. The pupils are black with a faint yellow cast; the eyes are small and slightly protruding, with the sclera conspicuously visible all around (what physiognomy calls “four whites”). The pupils seem as if covered by a thin yellow gauze, giving the gaze a hazy, unfocused look, with many disordered crow’s-feet.

II. Poor Character of People with Sheep Eyes

In the book "Ma Yi Shen Xiang," a verse says: “Black tinged with faint yellow, the spirit is unclear; the pupils are veiled, clouding the gaze. Though there may be ancestral wealth, one is destined not to enjoy it; in old age, poverty persists through the years.” In "Bing Jian," it is written: “Sheep eyes are black with a faint yellow hue, with a small mouth and poor spirit; prone to betrayal and deceit, one may find joy in midlife but sorrow in old age.”
People with sheep eyes may seem gentle and harmless at first, but in reality they are solitary, selfish, greedy, and treacherous. They are untrustworthy and will go to great lengths to get what they want, disregarding others’ feelings. Such people have shallow learning, are foolish and ignorant, and lack business sense. Even if they inherit great wealth, they will ultimately squander it, bringing their family’s fortunes to ruin and leaving them in poverty in their later years, ending poorly.