Netsuke - Ivory - Ivory okimono netsuke, three monkeys - Japan - 19th century, Edo period

Ivory okimono netsuke depicting three monkeys, one of which is covering his mouth, another his ears and another his eyes. Together, the three monkeys embody the famous proverb 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil' (Sanbiki Saru) Their names are 'Mizaru', 'the monkey who sees no evil', 'Kikazaru', 'the monkey who hears no evil', and 'Iwazaru', the monkey who speaks no evil'. Wonderful attention to details such as the coat texture of the animals. The Item was produced prior to 1947, and is therefore in compliance with European Union regulations on ivory trade. The item comes with a certificate of authenticity which will be sent to the buyer. VERY IMPORTANT note for bidders outside the EU: This item CANNOT be sold outside the EU.