montymonkey
4h ago
OTHER
Three Wise Monkeys Carving
Key Facts & Value
Key Fact
Description
A decorative set of four carved figurines of monkeys, each depicted in a traditional pose covering their ears, eyes, or mouth, representing 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.' These figures are mounted onto a dark, intricately carved wooden base. The monkeys appear to be made from a material resembling ivory or bone, with a smooth, polished finish and a warm, creamy hue. The overall piece evokes a sense of ancient wisdom and symbolism.
History
The 'three wise monkeys' motif, often seen in Asian art and culture, originates from a Japanese proverb. The figures are commonly associated with the Tōshōgū shrine in Nikkō, Japan, which houses a famous wood carving of them dating back to the 17th century. Such carvings and figurines have been produced for centuries as decorative and symbolic items, reflecting Buddhist and Shinto influences.
Facts
The proverb 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' is often interpreted as a metaphor for maintaining moral integrity by avoiding exposure to wickedness. While typically depicted as three, this set uniquely features a fourth monkey, adding an intriguing variation to the classic theme. The careful craftsmanship and material suggest it may be an older collectible piece.
Value Fact
Figurines of this nature, particularly those with detailed carving and materials like bone or ivory, can vary significantly in price. Pieces with provenance or recognized antique status often command higher values. Similar sets have been observed in the market ranging from one hundred to several hundred dollars, depending on age, condition, and artistic merit.
Item Details
Official Details
Variation Details
Collectibles.com is operated by Collectbase Inc., a Delaware corporation. Collectible valuations, price estimates, and AI-assisted identifications are provided for informational and reference purposes only and do not constitute professional appraisals, financial advice, or guarantees of market value. Trademarks, card images, and intellectual property belonging to third-party rights holders are displayed solely for identification, valuation reference, and collection management purposes; Collectbase Inc. is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any such rights holders. User-generated content reflects the views of individual community members and not those of Collectbase Inc. This platform may earn affiliate commissions on qualifying purchases made through third-party links. The platform is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, and Collectbase Inc. shall not be liable for any damages arising from use of this platform or reliance on its content. For full details governing your use of this platform and our privacy practices, see our Terms of Service and PrivacyPolicy.
© 2026 Collectbase Inc. All rights reserved.
This site and associated apps contain copyrighted material including card images, trademarks, and text belonging to The Pokémon Company International, Nintendo, GAME FREAK inc., Wizards of the Coast, Major League Baseball Properties, Inc., NBA Properties, Inc., NFL Properties LLC, NHL Enterprises, L.P., Topps, Panini America, Inc., Upper Deck, and all other respective rights holders. Such material is displayed solely for the purposes of identification, pricing reference, collection management, and to facilitate the buying, selling, and trading of physical collectibles by collectors. Collectbase Inc. is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any of the foregoing entities, and no challenge to their intellectual property rights or ownership is intended or implied.