Wisdom Monkeys Art Appraisal

Four Wise Monkeys Figurine

This is a horizontal figurative sculpture depicting the 'Four Wise Monkeys,' an extension of the traditional Japanese 'Three Wise Monkeys' motif. The piece includes 'See No Evil' (covering eyes), 'Hear No Evil' (covering ears), 'Speak No Evil' (covering mouth), and a fourth figure, often interpreted as 'Do No Evil' or 'Have No Fun.' The piece appears to be made of a cast resin or heavy polyresin, finished with a dark reddish-brown cinnabar-style or faux-bronze lacquer. The texture displays fine hair details on the monkey bodies and rounded facial features. The construction is a solid single-cast unit with a curved base. Notable condition issues include minor abrasions and white scuff marks on the top of the second monkey's head and the fourth monkey's ear, suggesting some loss of the top finish layer. Dust accumulation is visible in the recessed textured areas of the fur, indicating age and display. The style is mid-20th-century decorative kitsch, likely mass-produced in the 1960s or 70s as a souvenir or desk accessory. The craftsmanship is standard for molded giftware, focusing on the expressive facial features and the unified narrative of the four distinct poses.