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What is the origin of the three wise monkeys?

1 Answer
What is the origin of the three wise monkeys?
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
Shop for Three Wise Monkeys on 1stDibs
Three Wise Monkeys for Harry
By Kelly Houghton
Located in Denver, CO
Three Wise Monkeys for Harry
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Art

Materials

Oil

A.Jeschel Three wise monkeys bracelet
By Elaine Silverstein
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 Costa Mesa, CA
Solid Brass Three Wise Monkeys Paper Weight , France 1970s
Category

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Paperweights

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Three Wise Monkeys Tropical Chandelier
Located in Jacksonville, FL
Tropical style hanging lamp features the three famous monkeys signifying hear no evil, speak no
Category

Late 20th Century Organic Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Plaster, Paper

Three Wise Monkeys Tropical Chandelier
Located in Jacksonville, FL
Tropical style hanging lamp features the three famous monkeys signifying hear no evil, speak no
Category

Vintage 1980s Organic Modern Chandeliers and Pendants

Materials

Metal

Hand-Carved Three Wise Monkey Agate Cameo Sterling Silver Cufflinks
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Here's our three wise monkey cameo cufflinks made in sterling silver. The cameos are made in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Cufflinks

Materials

Agate, Chalcedony, Sterling Silver

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