Items Similar to Japanese antique: Three monkeys from the Edo period / 19th century / "San-en"
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 22
Japanese antique: Three monkeys from the Edo period / 19th century / "San-en"
$3,000per set
£2,273.07per set
€2,608.17per set
CA$4,221.48per set
A$4,640.57per set
CHF 2,438.87per set
MX$56,353.45per set
NOK 30,424.32per set
SEK 28,824.90per set
DKK 19,465.41per set
About the Item
[This item is sold as a set of three.]
This stone statue of the "Three Wise Monkeys" is believed to have been created around the late Edo period in Japan.
Widely known as "see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil," the three wise monkeys are not only a symbol of Japanese culture, but also a motif that represents universal moral values, both Eastern and Western.
Tracing its origins, the idea of the three wise monkeys is said to have been transmitted to Japan via the Silk Road via ancient Egypt, India, and China, and originates from Confucius's "Analects," which teaches, "Do not see, hear, or speak anything impolite." In other words, it represents a disciplined attitude in everyday behavior: not seeing, hearing, or speaking anything that violates etiquette. Later, around the Edo period, it became deeply ingrained in Japanese children's education and adult lifestyles. It was passed down as a wish for children to avoid evil and grow up obedient, and for adults, it was passed down as wisdom for smoothing relationships and living peacefully by not seeing, hearing, or speaking anything that is inappropriate.
The most famous example of the Three Wise Monkeys in Japan is the "Three Wise Monkeys" carved into the sacred stables of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a World Heritage Site. As part of a picture scroll that superimposes the life of a human being with that of a horse, the painting emphasizes the importance of avoiding evil in childhood. (Photos are available here. Please take a look.) This work carves the same ideas into stone, vividly illustrating the religious beliefs and everyday lessons of the people of the time.
A distinctive feature is the four Chinese characters firmly engraved on the base of each piece: "Never look at anything improperly," "Never listen to anything improperly," and "Never speak anything improperly." These inscriptions are not merely decorative; they demonstrate the importance the common people placed on Confucian morality as a code of conduct. In villages, these stone structures were placed along roads and at boundary lines as signposts or barriers, protecting the community and serving as lessons for children. (Photos are also available here. Please take a look.)
These brave prayers and wishes are embodied in the figures of these three little monkeys.
Each statue is crafted as a separate entity, showcasing a simple yet charming appearance. Their wide-open eyes and rounded forms are friendly and somewhat humorous, evoking a smile in the viewer. The weathering of the stone surface and traces of moss over time are testament to their longevity, adding an even deeper charm to their patina.
These three monkey statues are not merely valuable as antiques; they also possess unique appeal in modern living spaces. For example, lining them up in a corner of the living room creates a unique accent that blends humor and spirituality, while placing them next to a study or bookshelf creates an intellectual and serene atmosphere. Placing them in the entranceway creates a guardian-like presence welcoming visitors, and combining them with stone lanterns and plantings in the garden recreates scenes reminiscent of ancient Japanese village boundaries and highways. The fact that all three statues are present together is extremely rare, and while they have a strong presence on their own, they also have great cultural and artistic value as a perfect expression of the philosophy of the Three Wise Monkeys.
These are extremely rare items, and even in Japan, there are not many examples of them remaining in such a complete state. They are also in excellent condition.
These statues were previously owned by a Japanese collector.
This is an exceptional piece that is highly recommended from a folkloric and artistic perspective, as well as from a practical perspective as interior decor. If you are interested, we can provide you with more detailed photos and images from different angles, so please feel free to contact us.
Size & Weight
Monkey with Covered Ears: W 21.2 × D 15.5 × H 34.8 cm, Weight 13.2 kg
Monkey with Covered Mouth: W 21.2 × D 14.7 × H 34.6 cm, Weight 11.85 kg
Monkey with Covered Eyes: W 18.5 × D 14 × H 34.6 cm, Weight 11.1 kg
Item Number: SC138
[Our Social Role]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We are a specialized team dealing in antiques and vintage items, comprised of stores based on three distinct brands. While focusing on Japanese items, we also offer a carefully curated selection of attractive goods from around the world—each evoking the culture and history of its country of origin.
Unlike the traditional Japanese antique furniture and art that have been appreciated overseas until now, we shine a light on the tools and furniture that were used for many years in ordinary Japanese homes and farmhouses. These objects have gained a unique charm over time, their beauty deepened by the history accumulated through daily life. In today’s world, however, many of these precious items are discarded during home demolitions. We are committed to reassessing their value and passing them on to future generations.
Drawing from our extensive experience—having seen tens of thousands of items through direct purchases, markets, and auction houses—we carefully select and present only the most captivating pieces. This is something made possible only through the years of knowledge and expertise we have cultivated.
Rather than focusing on the widely known facets of Japanese art and culture, we highlight the subtle beauty born from the everyday life of common people. It is this rediscovered beauty, steeped in history, that we strive to share with the world.
- Dimensions:Height: 13.71 in (34.8 cm)Width: 8.35 in (21.2 cm)Depth: 6.11 in (15.5 cm)
- Sold As:Set of 3
- Style:Edo (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:19th century
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Sammu-shi, JP
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU5487246733862
About the Seller
5.0
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2015
1stDibs seller since 2020
1,631 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 5 hours
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: senzoku, Japan
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllJapanese antique Kannon stone statue/Edo period/18th to 19th century
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Introducing a stone Buddha of Nyoirin Kannon, created in the mid to late Edo period (circa 1750-1850).
The material used is granite or andesite, and the natural weathering of the sto...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century Japanese Edo Garden Ornaments
Materials
Stone
Japanese antique Buddhist statues/[Ten Kings statues]/Edo period/18-19th century
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This wooden Buddhist statue (made from cypress wood) is thought to have been made in the Edo period, probably around the 18th or 19th century. It is one of the types of statues known...
Category
Antique 18th Century Japanese Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Cypress
![Japanese antique Buddhist statues/[Ten Kings statues]/Edo period/18-19th century](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/japanese-antique-buddhist-statues-ten-kings-statues-edo-period-18-19th-century-for-sale/f_54872/f_460086521753431381364/f_46008652_1753431382291_bg_processed.jpg?width=240)
Antique Wooden Sculpture "Kobo Daishi" / Buddha Statues / Edo-Meiji Period
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is an old Japanese "Kobo Daishi" wooden figure.
"Kobo Daishi" means "Kukai".
"Kukai" was a monk from the early Heian period. His posthumous name was "Kobo Daishi". He is the fou...
Category
Antique 19th Century Japanese Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Cypress
Rare Japanese antique wooden god statue /12th century/small wabi-sabi figurines
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
I was able to obtain a very rare item.
This is a sculpture of the god ``Shinzo''.
"Shin" = God
"zo" = statue
Since ancient times in Japan, it has been believed that gods reside in all things in the universe, and there have been many shrines.
In the 6th century, Buddhism was introduced and gradually spread throughout Japan.
Around the 8th century, the idea that gods follow the teachings of Buddha spread.
Until the Edo period, God and Buddha became one and the idea of ``Shinto and Buddhism syncretism'' was established.
This statue was created during such a history.
Originally, the image of God was invisible and could not be understood as something tangible.
However, with the introduction of Buddhism to Japan, idol worship was also introduced, and the idea that the gods follow the teachings of Buddha was also propagated at the same time in order to spread the teachings of Buddhism.
Around that time, around the 9th century, the first statues of gods...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Japanese Other Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Cypress
Japanese antique stone god/[Daikokuten]/Stone Buddhas from the Edo period
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
Do you know what Daikokuten is?
This god in Japan is an old god who has existed since the end of the Muromachi period (16th century) as one of the seven gods who bestow happiness.
He...
Category
Antique 18th Century Japanese Edo Sculptures and Carvings
Materials
Stone
![Japanese antique stone god/[Daikokuten]/Stone Buddhas from the Edo period](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/japanese-antique-stone-god-daikokuten-stone-buddhas-from-the-edo-period-for-sale/f_54872/f_406808721721288384637/f_40680872_1721288385010_bg_processed.jpg?width=240)
Japanese Antique Edo Period Stone Buddha / 19th Century / Garden Ornament
Located in Sammu-shi, Chiba
This is a small Jizo Bodhisattva statue believed to have been made in the late Edo period (19th century). It is believed to be made of granite.
Its rough texture exudes a gentle aura...
Category
Antique 19th Century Japanese Edo Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Stone
You May Also Like
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
Stone Monkeys Set of 3 Large Sculpture in Stone
Located in Paris, FR
Sculpture stone monkeys set of 3 large
in carved stone. Measures: L 16 x D 12 x H 32cm each.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Animal Sculptures
Materials
Stone
Set of Two "Three Wise Monkeys" Miniature Figurines Statues, Vintage Asia
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A set of two decorative sculpture statue miniatures. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of metal, i believe one made of bronze the other made of brass. Found at ...
Category
Vintage 1960s Asian Animal Sculptures
Materials
Metal
Group of Three Antique Japanese Hand Carved Monkey Figures
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A group of three early 20th Century well crafted wood Monkey figures in the classic poses of See No Evil, Speak No Evil and Hear No Evil. Timeworn and smooth feeling in the hand, each figure has meticulously carved incising representing fur and dark glass eyes (Monkey representing Speak No Evil has a missing eye). Each Monkey with extended and hooked arm and leg used to link the three for hanging however a loss to the See No Evil figure's leg makes hanging tenuous. with the age, losses and wear the figures have taken on the air of Scholar's Objects to be handled and displayed. Dimensions below are for each Monkey figure.
Dimensions:7.25: high by 2.25" deep by 2.25" wide.
Condition: Please see detail photos. As mentioned above, there are various signs of age including one missing glass eye, loss to the See No Evil Monkey...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Animal Sculptures
Materials
Glass, Wood
Three Wise Monkeys Bronze Sculptures “See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil”
Located in London, GB
This set of bronze monkey sculptures depicts the classic motif of the "Three Wise Monkeys" — See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil. Each monkey is made with intricate detail, feat...
Category
Vintage 1950s English Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Materials
Bronze
"Three Wise Monkeys" Metal Sculpture Statue, Vintage German, 1960s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
A decorative sculpture statue. Some wear with a nice patina, but this is old-age. Made of metal. Found at an estate sale in Nuremberg, Germany and was made probably in the 1960s. You...
Category
Vintage 1960s German Art Deco Animal Sculptures
Materials
Metal
