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The 3 wisdom monkeys in solid wood 20cm
View product description€74.17
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The 3 wise monkeys in hand-carved suar wood: large XL size 20cm
Mizaru, Kikazaru, Iwazaru: three names, one maxim from Japan, "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil". Carved from noble suar wood and finished with tinted wax, these three companions standing 20cm tall embody humility, restraint and self-control. Each covers a part of their face, bringing to life this ancient philosophy that invites us to take a step back and practise kindness.
- Dimensions: height 20cm x width 13cm x depth 11cm approximately, for each monkey. The 3 statues are sold together.
- Weight: approximately 800g per monkey.
- Material: solid suar wood, a noble Asian timber. Chocolate brown tinted wax finish.
- Hand-carved: slight variations in appearance or shade from one piece to another attest to the authenticity of each example.
- Style: ethnic, Asian, zen decoration.
A sculptural presence that captures the imagination
Placed on a console table, bookshelf or desk, these three monkeys immediately establish themselves as the centrepiece of your interior. Their generous size showcases the meticulous work of the Indonesian sculptor, a long-standing collaborator of the house since 2003, visible right down to the detail of the faces and the texture of the fur.
The warm grain and nuances of the suar wood give each figure an inimitable depth. Far more than a decorative object, this trio carries a life philosophy that resonates across the centuries. Whether you're a lover of Asian culture, a collector of monkeys, or simply looking for a piece with meaning, you'll find here a striking gift that sparks curiosity and invites contemplation.
Origin and philosophy of the 3 wise monkeys
The three wise monkeys are an iconic representation of Eastern wisdom, often associated with Buddhist and Confucian teachings. Their origin dates back to 17th-century Japan, when a set of sculptures was found at the Toshogu shrine in Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This triad has since become a universal symbol of moral restraint and benevolence.
Each of the three monkeys bears a name and embodies a distinct posture:
- Mizaru covers their eyes, inviting us to see no evil. They symbolise innocence and the refusal to cast a malevolent gaze upon others.
- Kikazaru covers their ears, representing the refusal to hear evil. They encourage us to avoid malicious words and gossip.
- Iwazaru covers their mouth, illustrating abstaining from speaking evil. They promote verbal restraint and the prevention of harmful speech.
Beyond their literal meaning, the three monkeys invite broader reflection on how we perceive and interact with the world. Some traditions also attribute to them, more anecdotally, the symbolic power of keeping the secret of eternal love, a romantic dimension that adds to their timeless charm.
Today, their symbolism has transcended cultural and religious boundaries to become an emblem of peace, tolerance and moral responsibility, present in art, literature and popular culture throughout the world.
How to integrate them into your decoration?
These three figures naturally find their place in an interior with ethnic or zen accents. Placed on an ethnic-style console table, a raw wood wall shelf or a low Japanese-style cabinet, they harmonise beautifully with other objects in natural materials: sea grass baskets, handcrafted ceramic vases, bamboo lighting.
You can pair them with other spiritual and protective animals, longevity turtle, elephant with raised trunk, meditating buddha, to compose a corner of serenity conducive to reflection. In an office, they remind us of the importance of restraint and kindness in daily life. In a living room or entrance hall, they welcome visitors with gentleness and open conversation.
Let your creativity flow: these three companions adapt to all interiors, from the most traditional to the most contemporary, provided you reserve a place of honour for them.
- Summary
- Trio of wise monkeys hand-carved in noble suar wood, XL format 20cm height. Japanese symbol embodying the maxim "see, hear, speak no evil", for a meaningful ethnic decoration.
- Size
- 20cm
Height 20cm x width 13cm x depth 11cm approx. per monkey. Weight 800g each. The 3 statues are sold together (indivisible set). - Information
- This article may present imperfections and differences in appearance compared to the photographed model, proof of its artisanal origin and its authenticity.
- Delivery method
- Standard item
- Theme
- Decoration
- Type
- Statue, sculpture
- Material
- Suar wood
- Colour
- brown / chocolate
- Origin
- Handmade
- Animals
- Monkeys
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