Questions & Answers
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What is the origin of the three wise monkeys?
1 Answer
The origin of the three wise monkeys comes from a Japanese saying that translates to "speak no evil, see no evil and hear no evil." A carving over the door of the Tōshō-gū shrine in Nikkō, Japan, produced during the 17th century is one of the earliest known visual representations of the concept. On 1stDibs, find a selection 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
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
$1,800 Sale Price
37% Off
A.Jeschel Three wise monkeys bracelet
By A.Jeschel One-of-a-kind
Located in Miami, FL
One-of-a-Kind
Three wise monkeys, based on an ancient Japanese proverb “see no evil, hear no evil
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Beaded Bracelets
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Sterling Silver
Solid Brass Three Wise Monkeys Paper Weight , France 1970s
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Solid Brass Three Wise Monkeys Paper Weight , France 1970s
Category
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Paperweights
Materials
Brass, Bronze
$63 Sale Price
20% Off
Danish Wooden Sculpture of ‘The Three Wise Monkeys’
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Wooden sculpture of ‘The Three Wise Monkeys’, a symbol of oriental origin that conveys the
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Mid-Century Modern Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
18k Yellow Gold Three Wise Monkeys Charm Pendant with Jade Cabochon Accent
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous, Unique "Three Wise Monkeys" (Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil) Pendant
Features
Category
20th Century Unknown Modern Necklace Enhancers
Materials
Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
