Japanese Terracotta Three Wise Monkeys

a terracotta figure of the Three Wise Monkeys - Mizaru who is covering his eyes, Kikazaru who is covering his ears and Iwazaru who is covering his mouth. All three embody the proverb "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil". The figure is combed terracotta with blue, black and brown paint. The robes of the monkeys are painted with Japanese symbols on the back. Provenance: a Pvt. San Franciso Collection

Date: Meiji (1868 - 1912)

Dimensions: 8.5" x 5.5" x3.5"