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.

What do the three wise monkeys mean?

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.

Three Wise Men

17th Century Adoration Of The Magi

G G International Porcelain Vase

Faience Bowl by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1950s

$1,546

H 3.35 in Dm 6.3 in

Faience Bowl by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1950s

By Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg

Located in Malmö, SE

with colleagues Berndt Friberg and Wilhelm Kåge. They were humorously described as the "three wise men

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware

Wilson BigaudModern Colorful Abstract Figurative Christian Nativity Scene Haitian Painting, 20th Century

Price Upon Request

H 30.13 in W 30.25 in D 1.5 in

Modern Colorful Abstract Figurative Christian Nativity Scene Haitian Painting

By Wilson Bigaud

Located in Houston, TX

baby Jesus figure in a manger surrounded by Mary, Joseph, the Three Wise Men, and various farm animals

Category

20th Century Abstract Figurative Paintings

Materials

Oil

Faience Bowl by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1950s

$827

H 1.78 in Dm 8.67 in

Faience Bowl by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1950s

By Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg

Located in Malmö, SE

"three wise men" in the press. Stig stepped into the 1950s as the newly appointed artistic leader of

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware

Set of 3 Faience Dishes by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1950s

$1,188 / set

H 0.99 in Dm 3.35 in

Set of 3 Faience Dishes by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1950s

By Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg

Located in Malmö, SE

"three wise men" in the press. Stig stepped into the 1950s as the newly appointed artistic leader of

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware

Faience Bowl by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1950s

$470

H 2.17 in W 7.29 in D 8.08 in

Faience Bowl by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1950s

By Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg

Located in Malmö, SE

Kåge. They were humorously described as the "three wise men" in the press. Stig stepped into the 1950s

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Decorative Bowls

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware

Faience Vase by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1950s

$583

H 10.63 in Dm 4.73 in

Faience Vase by Stig Lindberg for Gustavsberg Studio, Sweden, 1950s

By Stig Lindberg, Gustavsberg

Located in Malmö, SE

colleagues Berndt Friberg and Wilhelm Kåge. They were humorously described as the "three wise men" in the

Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vases

Materials

Ceramic, Earthenware, Faience

Judith BledsoeThree Kings, Framed Folk Art Lithograph by Judith Bledsoe, 1970

$850

H 26.75 in W 20.75 in

Three Kings, Framed Folk Art Lithograph by Judith Bledsoe

By Judith Bledsoe

Located in Long Island City, NY

inches, Description: A charming multicolor print by Judith Bledsoe. Featuring the three kings or wise men

Category

1970s Folk Art Prints and Multiples

Materials

Lithograph

Limited Artist Glass Wall Plaque Theophany by Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal

$446

H 0.99 in Dm 11.42 in

Limited Artist Glass Wall Plaque Theophany by Bjørn Wiinblad for Rosenthal

By Bjørn Wiinblad

Located in Esbjerg, DK

Germany in a limited run. It is titled The Three Holy King/Wise Men/Theophany and was only made ar

Category

Vintage 1970s European Scandinavian Modern Prints

Materials

Glass

19th Century Chinese Temple Architectural Corbel Carved Sculpture Pair

$6,500 / set

H 32.5 in W 19 in D 7.25 in

19th Century Chinese Temple Architectural Corbel Carved Sculpture Pair

Located in Forney, TX

three Sanxing, in their iconic representation as three, old, bearded, wise men, which dates back to the

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Architectural Elements

Materials

Wood, Paint

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Three Wise Men For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of three wise men for sale on 1stDibs. Each of these unique three wise men was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, silver and sterling silver. Three wise men have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. Mid-Century Modern and Victorian three wise men are consistently popular styles. There have been many well-made three wise men over the years, but those made by Gorham, Lunt Silver and Margot Kempe are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much are Three Wise Men?

Prices for three wise men can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, three wise men begin at $316 and can go as high as $49,000, while the average can fetch as much as $2,060.