In Chinese tradition, the nose is either regarded as the “emperor of the face” or thought of as the “fifth mountain.” This is the most central and most prominent feature, which, in common with all middles and centers in oriental belief, is symbolic of the earth element. The Chinese consider the cheekbones as sentinels, guards, or mandarins standing to attention on either side of their emperor. They also call the cheekbones “the Mountains of the Green Dragon and the White Tiger,” and these animals are symbolic of the elements of wood and metal, respectively. The wood element is located on the right, and the metal element on the left. The brow and the chin represent the remaining two elements.
As far as the age positions of the face are concerned, the cheekbones represent ages fifty-eight on the right and fifty-nine on the left.
The cheekbones are said to support the nose; therefore, they should incline toward the nose. Flat or hollow cheekbones do not perform this function, and the influence of the nose area is therefore weakened.
If either cheekbone is higher or more prominent than the other, then the interpretation of the nose loses much of its importance. This is particularly true if the left cheek is higher than the right. This asymmetric feature will increase a person's caution to the point of cowardice. A person with this feature is likely to do very little with his life simply because he does not dare to take any chances at all.
Should the nose be small and flat while the cheekbones protrude, tradition holds that “the emperor is a puppet of his ministers.” A person with this feature is likely to be gullible and easily led.
Age positions of the cheekbones
Protruding cheekbones combined with very taut skin are not a very fortunate feature and are said to be a sign of bad luck. This person may be a spendthrift with no thought of the future, or he will constantly find himself prevented from taking advantage of the opportunities that are presented to him. Even if he does prosper at one or more periods in his life, the trend will not last long and he is likely to lose his gains as quickly as he obtains them.
Flat or dented cheekbones reveal a shy person with little self-esteem. This sort of person wants a quiet life with no complications and studiously avoids responsibility.
The nose is divided into six areas, each related to one of the age positions of the face and each described by a traditional Chinese name. The right nostril is called t'ing wei, while the left is known as lan t'ai. The tip of the nose is chun t'ou, and at eye level we find the shan ken. Between them on the bridge of the nose lie the nien shang, which is found at the end of the nasal bone, and the shou shang, located on the cartilage.
Four of these points are significant positions. These are the shan ken, relating to age forty; the nien shang, relating to age forty-three; the shou shang, relating to age forty-four; and the chun t'ou, at the tip, relating to age forty-seven. The nostrils correspond to age forty-eight on the right and age forty-nine on the left (see the illustration of the age positions of the nose on the next page).
A lump on either the shou shang (age forty-four) or nien shang (age forty-three) indicates an eccentric and unpredictable nature. A person with either feature will have difficulty in relating to others and will experience communication problems and the resultant problems in maintaining relationships.
Proportion is one of the most important factors to consider in Chinese face reading, so ideally the nose should not be too large or too small, too thin or too wide, in comparison with other features of the face. As usual, the complexion of the nose should ideally be clear, while the tip of the nose should be reasonably rounded and not too bulbous.
If it is possible (in Caucasian faces) to see into the nostrils when the face is viewed straight on, then this person is likely to be extravagant, with no true sense of value or of money. This is someone who can see no reason why he should listen to advice. He is convinced he always knows best and will do exactly as he likes. This is a very unfortunate feature, forecasting a life full of regret.
Narrow and rounded nostrils
Oval-shaped nostrils reveal an astute nature. There will be an essentially cautious, prudent nature and a dislike of taking risks. This is someone who is financially shrewd and bound to prosper. Very rounded nostrils indicate a perfectionist who likes a life of order and system. He is an organizer by nature and is happy to organize others as well as himself.
Although a long nose is regarded as preferable to one that is short, this is only the case if it is in proportion to other features and does not dominate the face. A nose that is thin and pointed reveals an independent person. He may be a loner who is inwardly shy yet prefers not to show it. He may feel awkward in the company of relative strangers and possess few true friends.
Thin, pointed nose
A very large nose, either in length or in width, found in combination with flat, sunken, or insignificant cheekbones, is a warning of recurring troubles within the family and reveals relationships that are fraught with problems.
A very thin, beaklike nose placed high at the center of the face is a sure indicator of a lover of luxuries who can rarely afford his lifestyle.
A thin nose that starts high on the face with a noticeable (but not too prominent) nose bone shows a decisive nature, the ability to make quick, correct decisions, and the determination to carry them out.
If the bones that make up the structure of the nose are plainly visible, this depicts a willful, rather arrogant person who hates to be corrected, to be contradicted, or to accept advice. However, this person is not a fighter, and he will tend to withdraw from conflicts rather than engage in a struggle.
Above: Plump nose
Below: Uneven nostrils
A plump nose tip combined with wide nostrils is a sure indication of a very strong sex drive.
A sympathetic, loving, and warm nature is revealed by a soft, rounded nose. There is an overall softness about this compassionate character. This person is open and generous with good advice and with his money, but he may be taken advantage of by “hard-nosed” individuals.
A reddish-tinted thin nose says that this person is not clever with cash and that he is constantly in debt.
One nostril that is higher than the other indicates a sharp, incisive person. This perceptive soul is very shrewd and rather cunning. He may lack conscience, and he will be quick to take advantage of opportunities.
A noticeably pale nose, possibly having a grayish tint, reveals an active mind that is constantly filled with plans. This “ideas man” will not give in even when the odds are stacked against him. If anyone can find a solution to the most intractable problem, this is the person!
Now we look at the nose in profile—that is, sideways on.
This nose type is long, sharp, and pointed. It is generally bony and hard to the touch. This is not an easy person to get to know. He appears aloof and unapproachable, but in reality he is shy. Yet underneath this natural reserve, he is a compassionate soul. His early family relationships will have been turbulent, and there may be unresolved issues concerning his birth or childhood. He is naturally conservative, so he may take his time in adapting to new situations but will have a successful life. One of the best examples of a sword nose is found in portraits of Napoleon Bonaparte.
The lonely mountain is notable for a high nose tip. The cheekbones and the middle portion of the nose (nien shang and shou shang) will be flat. Although this character will live a comfortable life, he will be forced to settle for less than he would really like. Difficult experiences in his early life convince him that he must be self-reliant, despite the fact that family and friends want to help him when times are hard. It is likely that he is too proud to accept this assistance or others are not in a position to offer it. The owner of the lonely mountain nose will not achieve his highest ambitions but will nevertheless contrive a comfortable lifestyle and be generally happy with his lot in life.
The nostrils of this type of nose are particularly large, open, and hairy. The body of the nose will be thick and strong, but the very tip will be rather thin and flat.
This is a competitive and financially lucky person. Often a spendthrift, he tends to think of his resources in terms of “easy come, easy go.” A natural gambler, his resilience will stand him in good stead in good times and bad. This person does not despair. He will achieve success, not once but many times—he will find that his life is a roller-coaster ride of difficulties.
The bridge of this type of nose bulges outward, giving a mistaken impression of bulk, when actually the body of the nose is rather slim. This is a good-humored and popular person. However, he does tend to be erratic and lack consistency. He will experience highs and lows with money matters, friendships, and close relationships, which go through marked phases. Different people will fulfill necessary roles in this person's life at differing times. However, this character is extremely courageous and a consummate survivor.
The very top of the nose (the shan ken) is a deep hollow. The bridge of the nose bulges, while the tip is sharp, thin, and rather pointed. This character's life will never be boring. It is a good thing that he is resilient and that he learns how to handle the twists and turns in his fortunes. He may find himself at the top of the professional tree, only for a branch to break when he least expects it. Conversely, at the lowest points in life, unexpected opportunities and good fortune will suddenly occur, thus lifting him from a rut.
The bridge of this type of nose is dented or hollow. A nose that gently curves inward from top to tip can be regarded as a form of collapsed nose. This feature indicates a person who is shrewd and selfish. Always on the lookout for an opportunity, he has an eye for the big chance and a quick profit. In life's game, this is a winner, even if his ideas are a little too ambitious to be practical. He may not achieve as much as he desires, yet he should do reasonably well in material gains. This character avoids responsibilities and is adept at escaping trouble.
As the name implies, this type of nose resembles the beak of a bird of prey. It is hooked and sharp, curving outward from the top. This character is self-confident and quite formidable, and he puts his own interests first. Intolerant and impatient by nature, he relishes a challenge and will rarely avoid arguments or be daunted by large projects. He tends to make his own opportunities because he cannot be bothered to wait for the right moment and will preempt a situation and head directly for his goal. He is probably quite ruthless.
This nose is on the large side, with a rounded, slightly upturned tip, and one can see both nostrils when looking directly at the face. This type of character takes changes of fortune in his stride. He is easygoing both with people and with money. When he has money, he will spend freely and be more than generous to all around him. However, when his cash resources are lean, he will be dignified, rarely if ever complaining about his poverty.
The knot nose can be any shape, its defining feature being a protruding lump on the bridge of the nose, particularly situated on the nien shang. This powerful person thinks he knows best in all circumstances. This person would rather accept failure than act on the advice of someone else. On a more positive note, he is generous and good-hearted and will gain true friends and allies throughout his life.
As the name suggests, one side of the nose is noticeably higher than the other. This is an unfortunate feature indicating the loss of a great deal of money, missed opportunities, and disappointment. However, if the tip of the nose is rounded, the interpretation is somewhat better, mitigating the losses and adding luck when it is most needed. This person will become a philosopher and will gain great wisdom through his difficulties.
This type of nose has clear skin and is either straight or slightly curved. The philosopher's son nose tends to be rather long, well balanced, and somewhat pointed at the tip. The top of the nose is rather wide. This may look like an aristocratic nose, but this person is not snobbish in the slightest. On the contrary, he is egalitarian and open-minded. This is a lover of life who treats everyone with equal respect. He also possesses a strong moral sense and will be prepared to defend a point of principle to the hilt.
The lamb nose is straight and quite strong for most of its length, but the tip becomes rounded or even bulbous and the nostrils are clearly visible from the front. This is a hardworking individual who will achieve success through persistent effort. Very energetic and ambitious, he will gain respect for his determination. Although he will achieve career success, his relentless drive could possibly harm his personal relationships. His is also an unforgiving nature, prone to harboring deep resentment if he feels he has been wronged.
This nose has the appearance of being rounded yet strong. The tip particularly is softened yet slightly protruding. The bridge of the nose may curve slightly inward. This individual is a great friend to others, and he supports those who need help. He believes that a promise is a sacred trust. He is faithful and loyal, and he will stand by family, friends, and colleagues through thick and thin. He also has an instinctive ability to choose his friends well, and he tends to surround himself with the right people. The deer nose is a fortunate feature, indicating longevity and probably a large extended family.
