Netsuke - The Secret Of Wisdom - Japan

A charming, finely carved Japanese netsuke depicting a monkey wearing a small figure covering its mouth on its head, evoking the famous symbol of Eastern wisdom: "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil." In Japanese tradition, these three monkeys—Mizaru, Kikazaru, and Iwazaru—embody a moral principle derived from Confucianism: avoiding seeing, hearing, or speaking evil in order to preserve wisdom and purity of mind. The carving displays delicate craftsmanship, with beautiful details in the facial expressions and the folds of the body. The warm patina of the ivory testifies to its age and handling. The two himotoshi (handlebars) visible on the reverse allowed the cord to be threaded through, enabling the netsuke to be suspended from a kimono belt. Both decorative and symbolic, this netsuke humorously and subtly illustrates a classic theme of Japanese iconography. Period: Japan, 18th century. Material: Marine ivory. Good overall condition with antique patina. Height: 6 cm. Weight: 13.8 grams. A similar model was sold at Bonhams, Julius Katchen Collection: https://www.bonhams.com/auction/23948/lot/102/an-ivory-netsuke-of-a-monkey-and-young-18th-century/