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Japanese antique: Three monkeys from the Edo period / 19th century / "San-en"

Price:$3,000

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:
Stone,Hand-Carved
Place of Origin:
Japan
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
19th century
Condition:
Seller Location:
Sammu-shi, JP
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU5487246733862

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