Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What do the three wise monkeys mean?
1 Answer
The three wise monkeys represent the idea that a person should see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil. This imagery comes from a Japanese saying and grew in popularity during the 17th century. On 1stDibs, find a variety of art and decorative objects depicting the three wise monkeys.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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Shop for Three Wise Monkeys on 1stDibs
Three Wise Monkeys Leather Sculptures
Located in Savannah, GA
A vintage group of leather wrapped figural sculptures depicting the three wise monkeys.
Approximately 11 ½ inches wide by 13 ½ inches deep by 16 inches tall
Category
Mid-20th Century Animal Sculptures
Materials
Leather, Glass
$3,400 / set
"Three Wise Monkeys for Harry" By Kelly Houghton
By Kelly Houghton
Located in Denver, CO
Three Wise Monkeys for Harry
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Impressionist More Art
Materials
Oil
Asian “Three Wise Monkeys” in Carved Wood
Located in San Francisco, CA
These three hand-carved figures depict the globally recognized Three Wise Monkeys, an ancient cultural motif that symbolizes the principle of shielding oneself from bad thoughts, act...
Category
Late 20th Century Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Wood
Alex Jona Sterling Silver Three Wise Monkeys Cufflinks
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, rhodium plated sterling silver three wise monkeys cufflinks . These cufflinks feature a T-Bar fastening, aiding in easy use and co...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cufflinks
Materials
Sterling Silver, Stainless Steel
Hand-Carved Stone “Three Wise Monkeys” Sculpture Set in Chinese Bluestone
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A minimalist interpretation of the timeless “Three Wise Monkeys” motif, see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil, hand-carved from dense Chinese bluestone.
Category
2010s East Asian Folk Art Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Stone
Max Le Verrier Three Wise Monkeys Bronze Vide-Poche, Art Deco, 1930s
By Max Le Verrier
Located in Sitges, Barcelona
A French Art Deco bronze vide-poche by Max Le Verrier, cast in relief with the Japanese motif of the Three Wise Monkeys and titled "Le secret du bonheur," circa 1930.
Category
Vintage 1930s French Japonisme Decorative Dishes and Vide-Poche
Materials
Bronze
