Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 12

Wooden Sculpture “Fuku Saru” (Lucky Monkey) by Nakanishi Hiroka (中西弘馨)

$870
£660.14
€754.81
CA$1,215.15
A$1,351.09
CHF 705.46
MX$16,446.01
NOK 9,001.40
SEK 8,433.88
DKK 5,633.26
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

A bold and charming wooden sculpture of a monkey, titled 「福申」(“Fuku Saru” – Lucky Monkey), created by the Japanese artist Nakanishi Hiroka (中西弘馨). With its faceted, geometric carving style and intense red-painted face, this piece is full of expressive energy and traditional symbolism. Monkeys (saru) are auspicious animals in Japanese folklore—associated with protection from evil and cleverness. The red face evokes the Japanese macaque, or snow monkey, a sacred creature in Shinto belief. This finely carved wooden figure was created by the skilled sculptor Nakanishi Hiroka (中西弘馨), a traditional woodcarver based in Nanto. Known for his precise technique and spiritual discipline, Nakanishi was commissioned to create works for sacred purposes, including carvings for the Ōmiwa Shrine — one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines. His creations are infused with a deep sense of reverence and prayer for fortune and longevity, reflecting both the artistry and spiritual heritage of Japan. A rare, signed collectible with its original tomobako, ideal for collectors of Japanese folk art or interior spaces seeking a statement of cultural vitality.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 8.47 in (21.5 cm)Width: 4.73 in (12 cm)Depth: 6.7 in (17 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    unknown
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    Fukuoka, JP
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU10055246039132

More From This Seller

View All
Rare Edo Period traditional Dojin-yaki finely Carved Monkey Figurine
Located in Fukuoka, JP
This exceptional Edo-period sculpture depicts a seated monkey in an incredibly lifelike manner, with finely carved details and expressive features. Made using traditional Dojin-yaki ...
Category

Antique 18th Century Japanese Edo Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Clay

Mid-20th c. Rare Vintage Japanese Kijigangu folk toy by Fumio Tsuta
Located in Fukuoka, JP
A rare and charming example of kijigangu (traditional Japanese wooden toy), this handcrafted pull toy was created by Fumio Tsuta, the third-generation craftsman of the esteemed Tsuta...
Category

20th Century Japanese Showa Toys and Dolls

Materials

Wood

Japanese Noh Theater Taka (鷹) Mask. Attributed to Takada Fuki (高田 冨季, 1935–2008)
Located in Fukuoka, JP
Taka (鷹) Mask in Noh theater is designed to embody the strength, agility, and predatory instincts of a falcon. Its sharp facial features and wide, alert eyes symbolize the bird’s kee...
Category

20th Century Japanese Showa Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Japanese Kashikobito (賢人) Noh Mask. Attributed to Takada Fuki (高田 冨季, 1935–2008)
Located in Fukuoka, JP
Kashikobito (賢人) Noh Mask attributed to Takada Fuki (高田 冨季, 1935–2008) SKU: TBA10 Size: W: 13.5 cm, H: 20.5 cm This mask is used in Noh theater to represent a wise person or an int...
Category

20th Century Japanese Showa Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Japanese Hannya (般若) Noh Mask. Attributed to Takada Fuki (高田 冨季, 1935–2008)
Located in Fukuoka, JP
Hannya (般若) Noh Mask attributed to Takada Fuki (高田 冨季, 1935–2008) Mask: Hannya (般若) SKU: TBA19 Size: W: 15cm, H: 22 cm (W/horns 25cm) The Hannya mask represents a female demon who...
Category

20th Century Japanese Showa Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Wood

Early 20th Century Bizen Ware Ceramic Dog Sculpture
Located in Fukuoka, JP
A charming and characterful ceramic dog sculpture crafted in the renowned Bizen ware tradition of Japan. Dating from the early 20th century, this expressive piece captures a crouchin...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Animal Sculptures

Materials

Ceramic

You May Also Like

Japanese Statue Bizen Pottery Monkey by Koyama Isso, 20th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
1932- bizen pottery of a sitting Monkey. Marked at the back. Real name is Mitsuo. Eldest son of Koyama Gengo, pen name is Koyama Isso. Worked for a local brickmaking company but lat...
Category

20th Century Japanese Edo Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

19th Century 'Meiji Period' Japanese Carved Wood Seated Monkey Sculpture
Located in North Miami, FL
19th Century (Meiji Period) Japanese hand-carved wood seated monkey. The eyes are inlaid and made of glass. The fur and details are very realistic. The piece is signed on the bottom ...
Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Animal Sculptures

Materials

Glass, Wood

Fine Wooden Carved Monkey, 1950s
Located in Aalsgaarde, DK
This is a very fine wooden carved monkey. It is likely an early work by renowned Danish designer, Kay Bojesen. It was probably created in the 1950s.
Category

20th Century Animal Sculptures

Materials

Wood

Japanese bamboo sculpture of a Monkey holding Longevity Peaches in its two hands
Located in PARIS, FR
Chiseled wood sculpture representing a seated monkey holding peaches of longevity in his hands. The impression of the fur is quite realistic, and its e...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Bamboo

Antique Netsuke Japanese Monkey Thinking Sculpture Meiji Period, 19/20th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Lovely and very detailed piece. Unsigned. Japan 19th or 20th century. Provenance: From the collection of Clemens Merkelbach van Enkhuizen, A well known Dutch painter and artist from...
Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Edo Animal Sculptures

Materials

Porcelain

Mid Century Italian Carved Wood Monkey by Macabo
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Impressive whimsical vintage walnut wood carving skillfully depicting a wide eyed monkey contemplating a piece of fruit. Signed Macabo Italy on the bottom.
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures

Materials

Walnut