Mid Century Three Wise Monkeys Kinetic Charm

A very cool, large vintage charm, featuring the "three wise monkeys," from the well-known Japanese proverb. These little monkeys swing freely inside a trio of hoops, hearing no evil, seeing no evil, and speaking no evil, respectively. These postures are meant to illustrate the idea that no negative thought should be held for long, in the mind. We also like this concept turned on its head— the charm could worn as a talisman of witness, one that reminds the wearer not to turn a blind eye, and to always speak out against injustice. This is a lovely object and because of its large size, it wears well as a pendant, on its own or layered with other meaningful pieces.

Materials

14k gold

Age

c. 1960

Dimensions

Measures approx 32.2 mm including the large jump ring; width is approx 25 mm; monkeys are each approx 12.7 mm high.