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ID #SA1238723
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£750
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Rare Japanese Antique (Early 20thc) Bronze, Three Wise Monkeys, Mitsumoto
For sale by Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
for sale €878     $953
£750
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Sellingantiques Verified Since Oct 2021
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Id #SA1238723
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Rare Japanese Antique (Early 20thc) Bronze, Three Wise Monkeys, Mitsumoto

1900 - 1920
Description

Striking Japanese antique (early 20thC) bronze of three wise monkeys by master sculptor Mitsumoto. Fine detail and casting. 9.2cm high x 12.5cm wide x 9cm deep, weight 1.45kg.

Excellent condition.

Omori Mitsumoto (Kogetsu) was a renowned Meiji-period artist known for high-quality Japanese bronze okimono (decorative ornaments), such as detailed, two-tone patinated animal sculptures. See https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5376167 for another.

Physical Dimensions
Height
9.2cm (3.62")
Width
12.5cm (4.92")
Depth
9cm (3.54")
Declaration

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Japanese Bronze Monkey Sculpture to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1238723
Dealers Internal Reference
AD1573
Description
Striking Japanese antique (early 20thC) bronze of three wise monkeys by master sculptor Mitsumoto. Fine detail and casting. 9.2cm high x 12.5cm wide x 9cm deep, weight 1.45kg.

Excellent condition.

“
Omori Mitsumoto (Kogetsu) was a renowned Meiji-period artist known for high-quality Japanese bronze okimono (decorative ornaments), such as detailed, two-tone patinated animal sculptures.
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

See https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5376167 for another.

Height
9.2cm (3.62")
Width
12.5cm (4.92")
Depth
9cm (3.54")
Date of Manufacture

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art has dated this Japanese Bronze Monkey Sculpture to the 1910s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1238723
Dealers Internal Ref
AD1573
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Sellingantiques verified Since Oct 2021
Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art Profile Page

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A patinated dark bronze sculpture depicting three monkeys seated together representing the motif of see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil.
1 / 9
Archive I A patinated dark bronze sculpture depicting three monkeys seated together representing the motif of see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil.

Rare Japanese Antique (Early 20thc) Bronze, Three Wise Monkeys, Mitsumoto

Archive II A patinated dark bronze sculpture depicting three monkeys seated together representing the motif of see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil. View II
Archive III A patinated dark bronze sculpture depicting three monkeys seated together representing the motif of see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil. View III
Archive IV A patinated dark bronze sculpture depicting three monkeys seated together representing the motif of see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil. View IV
Archive V A patinated dark bronze sculpture depicting three monkeys seated together representing the motif of see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil. View V
Archive VI A patinated dark bronze sculpture depicting three monkeys seated together representing the motif of see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil. View VI
Archive VII A patinated dark bronze sculpture depicting three monkeys seated together representing the motif of see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil. View VII
Archive VIII A patinated dark bronze sculpture depicting three monkeys seated together representing the motif of see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil. View VIII
Archive IX A patinated dark bronze sculpture depicting three monkeys seated together representing the motif of see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil. View IX
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Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art

Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Telephone 07975 614592
Location
Bath
Somerset
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/antikdragon
Verified Since Oct 2021
Items For Sale 37
Items Sold 776
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Antik Dragon Japanese & Other Fine Art
Verified Since Oct 2021
View Dealer Info
Location: Bath, Somerset, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/antikdragon
Verified
Oct 2021
For Sale
37
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A patinated dark bronze sculpture depicting three monkeys seated together representing the motif of see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil.
Rare Japanese Antique (early 20thC) Bronze, Three Wise Monkeys, Mitsumoto
Ref: SA1238723
A patinated dark bronze sculpture depicting three monkeys seated together representing the motif of see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil.
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectSculpture
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleJapanese
  • MaterialBronze
  • ColourDark Brown
  • MotifsThree wise monkeys motif, Chased fur detailing, Patinated bronze surface, Lost-wax cast form
  • SizeH 9.2 cm (4 in) x W 12.5 cm (5 in) x D 9 cm (4 in)

This Japanese bronze okimono sculpture depicts the three wise monkeys in a dark brown patinated finish with chased fur detailing across the lost-wax cast form. The piece dates from 1910 in the early 20th century and is created by master sculptor Mitsumoto. It shows three monkeys seated together, with one covering its ears, another covering its eyes, and the third covering its mouth. The sculpture measures 9.2 cm high, 12.5 cm wide, and 9 cm deep. In a contemporary home, this decorative sculpture suits placement on a bookshelf in a gentleman's library or study. The compact size allows it to sit easily on a desk, mantlepiece, or display cabinet shelf. The dark bronze surface integrates well with traditional or transitional interior schemes, providing a classic sculptural focal point for a library or reading room.

FAQs

The Three Wise Monkeys, known in Japan as Sanzaru (Mizaru, Kikazaru, and Iwazaru), represent the proverbial principle to hear no evil, speak no evil, and see no evil. The motif originated in folk religion and was popularized through architectural carvings at the Toshogu Shrine in Nikko during the 17th century.

Japanese artisans used lost-wax casting (cire perdue) techniques combined with hand-chasing to achieve precise anatomical detail and fur texture. The metal was then treated with specific chemical solutions to create dark, warm patinas that accentuation the sculpted form.

Authentic pieces generally exhibit substantial weight, crisp hand-chased surface details, and age-appropriate wear to the base or high points. Look for makers marks or artist signatures (such as Mitsumoto) cast or incised into the metalwork, alongside a natural patina that has developed over decades.

Small bronze figures function well as tactile accent pieces on wooden surfaces, such as bookshelves, executive desks, or mantelpieces. Pairing dark bronze metalwork with neutral tones, natural timber, or contemporary pottery creates a grounded contrast in modern rooms.

Dust bronze objects regularly with a soft, lint-free cloth or gentle brush. Avoid chemical cleaners or abrasive polishes, which strip the protective patina; a light application of microcrystalline wax can be buffed on periodically to preserve the surface.
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