The Three Wise Monkeys

You have probably seen a work of art depicting three monkeys sitting side by side, one covering its eyes, the next its ears, and the third its mouth. They are professing the old adage, “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil,” made famous by a 17th century carving from a Japanese shrine. Although this bit of wisdom actually originated in China many centuries earlier, it wasn’t until the monkeys came along that it gained traction worldwide.

Some beleive Confucius first professed the old adage, "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil"

This week’s New Arrival features a sculpture of the “Three Wise Monkeys” beautifully cast in copper. Some believe the proverb they depict was first professed by Confucius over 2000 years ago. Others believe its roots can be found in Zen Buddhism. Yet, where it originated is less important than how it spread – on the backs of three monkeys, in works of art created by inspired individuals who recognized they were speaking a universal language.

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