face of a living person
Archaic term contrasting with 死に顔 (face of a dead person). Not used in modern everyday speech; found in classical or literary contexts.
See also: 死に顔
In old tales, the contrast between a living face and a dead face is sometimes depicted.
Compound of 生き (living) and 顔 (face). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the word is now archaic.