Mian Xiang
Mian Xiang is the Chinese physiognomy tradition. Systematized by Guiguzi in the 6th century BCE, this art divides the face into 100 regions, each governing a specific life-age period.
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Kıyafetname
Ottoman physiognomy literature. Lokman Çelebi's 16th-century work is the most famous example of this tradition. Defined as the art of reading a person's inner world from their outer appearance.
Physiognomica
Aristotle's 4th-century BCE physiognomy work. The first systematic Western physiognomy text, inferring character through animal likenesses.
Firasa (Islamic Tradition)
The face-reading tradition in the cultural history of the Islamic world. This art combines inner intuition with outer observation.
Five Elements Face
Face types according to Mian Xiang's element system: Wood (long), Fire (thin and pointed), Earth (broad and full), Metal (square), and Water (round). Each type presents a different character.
Age Mapping
In Mian Xiang, each facial region governs a specific age period. Ears 1-14, forehead 15-30, brows-eyes 31-40, nose 41-50, chin 61+.
Three Treasures
Energies attributed to three facial regions in Taoist physiognomy: Shen (spirit-eyes), Qi (breath-nose), and Jing (essence-chin). Balance of the three treasures reflects vital force.