Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
The three wise monkeys—Mizaru, Kikazaru, and Iwazaru—are conventionally understood as “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.” Their familiar gestures carry an ethical lesson, but the celebrated carving at Nikkō Tōshōgū also belongs to a larger set of panels about life, childhood, and the protection of horses. Kōshin beliefs offer related religious context, though they do not establish one definitive origin for the carving or proverb.
What do the three wise monkeys mean?
The figures represent restraint in what a person sees, hears, and says. The familiar English wording is “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.” It is often taken as advice to avoid harmful influences or conduct. At Nikkō Tōshōgū, however, the carving has a particular setting and interpretation: Nippon.com describes it as expressing the idea that children should be guided by morally positive experiences, rather than seeing, hearing, or saying bad things.
That is an interpretation of the Nikkō carving in its context, not proof that every depiction of the monkeys has always carried precisely the same message.
What are the monkeys’ Japanese names?
- Mizaru: “do not see,” shown covering the eyes.
- Kikazaru: “do not hear,” shown covering the ears.
- Iwazaru: “do not speak,” shown covering the mouth.
The names involve wordplay with saru, the Japanese word for monkey. Together, the three names and gestures align with the familiar English saying. Nippon.com’s account of Nikkō’s Three Wise Monkeys explains both the names and the carving’s educational interpretation.
#1 Best Overall
- Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil monkeys: The 3 wise monkeys decor measures approximately 2.95”x1.77”x2.17” inch, and the weight is around 0.24LB/piece. Not only is it suitable for placement at home, but it can also be placed in the office to adjust work status at any time
- Monkey Statue: The Monkey figurines is sculptured with high quality resin material,painted under premium technique and coating with antique bronze color appearance. Every Monkey statue is handmade so slight variations may be in details, such as color and size. Each Monkey figurine is unique
- Monkey Decor: The 3 wise monkeys statue is excellent for office and home decorations. It is perfect to display the monkey figurines on the bookshelf, desk, table, living room, shelf, bedroom, TV stand, work office, windowsill, or any place you like. The hear no evil, see no evil, and speak no evil monkeys will bring many compliments to your home decor accents
- 3 Wise Monkeys: The see no evil monkey statue is an excellent gift option for your family and friends. Every monkey statue is well packaged with soft foam and available for many memorable events,such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, or Celebrations. It is also great for many occasions, such as Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s day or Thanksgiving
- Honest and straightforward: The first hand covers the ears, the second hand covers the mouth, and the third hand covers the eyes, incisively and vividly showing caution for good, standing aloof from worldly affairs. The three monkeys represent: do not see, do not listen, do not say
Why are the monkeys carved at Nikkō Tōshōgū?
The famous carving is not an isolated monument. It appears in the second of eight carved panels on the sacred horse stable at Nikkō Tōshōgū. The panels are described as depicting the circle of life, and monkeys have a traditional protective association with horses. Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism states that “In Japanese lore, monkeys are the protectors of horses, and carvings of monkeys decorate the transoms of the sacred horse stable at Tōshōgū.”
The stable sequence gives the three figures a wider visual context: they are one scene within a series, rather than a complete account of the stable’s meaning on their own. See the ministry’s Three Monkeys (Important Cultural Property) page for its description of the site.
Rank #2
- 【Exotic Antique Replica】Experience the charm of Victorian-era collectibles with our 3 Wise Monkeys Statue Set. These traditional sculptures became popular when British explorers brought them back as gifts and souvenirs from their travels. Our replicas capture that same timeless allure, adding a touch of history and sophistication to your home or office decor.
- 【Perfect Size for Any Display】Measuring 4.13" wide, 1.65" deep, and 3.34" high, the monkey figurine weighs 1 lb, making them ideal for any shelf, tabletop, or desk display. Their compact size ensures they can fit seamlessly into any room, from the living room to the office, enhancing your space without overwhelming it.
- 【A Stunning Blend of Art and Craftsmanship】Crafted from high-quality resin, these monkey figurines feature an antique-looking bronze coating that gives them an authentic, timeless appeal. The captivating hue and intricate details of these statues make them not just decorative pieces, but true works of art that bring elegance and intrigue to any setting.
- 【Versatile Decorative Accents】These versatile monkey statues are perfect for any room in your home or office. Their compact size allows for flexible placement on shelves, desks, or as centerpieces. Whether in the living room, bedroom, or study, these figurines add a wise and thoughtful presence, sparking conversations and inspiring introspection.
- 【Thoughtful Gift for Every Occasion】These monkey figurines make a meaningful and heartfelt gift for loved ones, friends, or colleagues. Perfect for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, or holiday celebrations like Christmas and Valentine’s Day, these statues convey warm wishes and appreciation in a unique, symbolic way. Carefully packaged to ensure safe delivery, they come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
How does Kōshin relate to the three monkeys?
Kōshin is a religious observance associated with a day identified by a combination of the seventh stem and ninth branch in the Chinese zodiac cycle. Its practices developed in Japan across Buddhist, Shintō, and Shugendō traditions. This history provides useful context for the religious associations that can surround monkey imagery, but it does not establish Kōshin as the sole origin of the Nikkō carving or the full English saying.
Kokugakuin University’s Encyclopedia of Shinto entry on Kōshin shinkō describes a belief in three worms, or sanshi, living in the body. They were thought to report a person’s sins to a celestial god while that person slept. Believers held an all-night vigil for longevity to prevent this. The entry traces the sanshi idea’s arrival in Japan through Korea in the eighth century, then outlines later developments in court observance and religious practice, including a Buddhist account from the latter fifteenth century. The varied history matters: Kōshin is relevant background, not a simple, proven origin story for the three-monkey carving.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Measurement:Each item is including 3 small piece of Money statues(Hear no evil,See no evil and Speak no evil).Each monkey is approximate 3.1”x1.7”x1.9”inch.This item is a great addition to your home décor accents.
- Monkey Statue:The 3 wise Monkeys are made of resin material(not plastic) and coating with “antique bronze” appearance.They are mostly golden with some lighter antique accents,looks like of an old artifact that was just unearthed
- Home Decoration:The 3 wise Monkeys statue is great for indoor home decorations.It is perfect to display them on the bookshelf,windowsill,desk,table,living room,shelf,bedroom,TV stand,work office,nightstand or any place you like.The 3 wise monkeys will bring a lots of compliment from your visitors.
- 3 Wise Monkeys:The set of 3 Monkey statue is a wonderful gift for your monther,father,boyfriend,girlfriend,husband and friends.They are available for many memorable events,such as Birthday,Wedding,Anniversary or Celebrations.Also great for holiday and housewarming,such as New Year Christmas,Easter,Valentine’s day or Thanksgiving.
- Customer experience:Each Monkey statue is well packaged in order to make sure of a safe journey to your place.Leekung is a professional manufacturer and focus on holidays collections and home decorations.We care about your satisfaction and will guarantee 100% return/refund for any dissatisfactions. Package included: Monkey statue x 3
Are the three wise monkeys only a proverb?
No. The motif also exists as a subject in Japanese art and craft. The Spurlock Museum of World Cultures catalogs an 1880 Japanese boxwood okimono depicting the three monkeys. Its collection record, Okimono: Entwined Sambiki Saru (Wise Monkeys), documents the figures as a physical art object as well as a familiar saying and image.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 1. Classic Three Wise Monkeys Symbol: Inspired by the traditional “See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil” concept, this resin figurine represents wisdom, balance and thoughtful living
- 2. Antique Bronze Look Resin Finish: Made from resin with a vintage bronze-style appearance, featuring textured surfaces and detailed monkey expressions for a timeless decorative style
- 3. Compact Desktop Display Size: Measuring 2.95 x 1.77 x 2.17 inches, this small decorative piece fits easily on office desks, bookshelves, cabinets, coffee tables and display shelves
- 4. Unique Home And Office Accent: The symbolic design adds personality to workspaces, study rooms and living areas, creating a meaningful conversation piece with cultural charm
- 5. Thoughtful Gift For Collectors: A unique decorative gift for friends, coworkers, collectors and family members for birthdays, housewarmings, holidays or everyday appreciation
Rank #4
- TIMELESS SYMBOLS OF WISDOM, PERFECTLY SIZED: Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these figurines beautifully depict the iconic "Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil" concept. Each monkey statue approximately 1.34" x3.14" inches, they are the perfect size to make a statement in your home decor.
- A STUNNING BLEND OF ART AND CRAFTSMANSHIP: Made from high-quality resin, these monkey figurines boast an antique-lookingcoating that lends them an air of authenticity. With a captivating hue , they exude a timeless charm reminiscent of treasured artifacts. These statues are not just home decorations; they are captivating works of art that will add elegance and intrigue to any space.
- VERSATILE DECORATIVE ACCENTS: Whether you want to adorn your office, living room, bedroom, or any other area, these monkey statues are the perfect choice. Their compact size allows them to be displayed on shelves, desks, or even as captivating centerpiece accents. These versatile decor pieces effortlessly infuse your space with an aura of wisdom, while sparking conversations and inspiring introspection.
- THOUGHTFUL GIFT FOR EVERY OCCASION: These monkey figurines make a truly meaningful and heartfelt present for your loved ones, friends, or colleagues. Whether it's a birthday, wedding, anniversary, or holiday celebration like Christmas or Valentine's Day, these statues are a unique and symbolic way to convey your warm wishes and appreciation.
- QUALITY GUARANTEED: Each monkey statue is carefully packaged to ensure a safe and secure journey to your doorstep. As a professional manufacturer of home decor and collectibles, we prioritize your happiness and offer a 100% return/refund guarantee for any dissatisfaction. Rest assured, you are investing in a product that embodies timeless wisdom, exceptional craftsmanship, and lasting beauty.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
