Comparison of lip positions in ancient Buddhas with Japanese adults.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To compare the lip positions found in two ancient Buddha statues with the lip positions in contemporary Japanese adults. METHODS: The facial profiles of Yakushi-ji temple Sho Kannon (male) and Chugu-ji temple Bodhisattva (female), generally considered to be two of the most beautiful Buddha statues in existence, were compared with the facial profiles of 30 Japanese dental students. Profiles of the statues were measured on photographs and profiles of the adults on cephalometric radiographs. The adults comprised 15 men between 22 and 26 years of age (Mean age: 23.8+/-1.3 years) and 15 women between 22 to 25 years of age (Mean age: 22.9+/-1.0 years). RESULTS: The Buddha statues had retrusive lips compared with the lip positions in contemporary Japanese adults. CONCLUSION: Flat profiles may be favoured by Japanese adults who, typically, have protrusive lips.