Three monkeys · dark group, 3.6 cm

The three monkeys as one cast group: three crouching figures on a shared base strip, darkly patinated. 3.6 cm high, 5.6 cm wide.

The holding has the motif three times: as three separate figures you can pull apart; as the smaller dark group (3.6 cm) in one casting; and as the lighter group (4.4 cm) with finer modelling. Different forms, the same message. Each is available separately.

The three monkeys — see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil — are carved above a stable gate at Nikkō in Japan, in the 17th century. The sayings go back further still, to Confucius. They came to Europe through the Japan trade and became one of the most copied motifs in small sculpture.

Solidly cast and darkly patinated. On heads, shoulders and hands the patina has gone lighter because fingers pass over them. Anyone wanting an even tone polishes it; most leave it.

Height and width are read off the tape measure and can be checked in the photographs — with two similar groups in the same holding that is the only figure that tells them apart.

• One cast group, shared base strip
• Height 3.6 cm, width 5.6 cm (read off the tape)
• Three crouching figures: eyes, ears, mouth
• Dark patina, bright on the raised parts
• Distinct weight for its size
• No mark or signature

Good. All three complete, arms and hands unbroken. Stands firmly on the shared base strip.