Hear See Speak No Evil Monkeys Limoges Box

Three monkeys sit side by side, one covering its ears, one its eyes and one its mouth, on this porcelain box. Hand-painted in Limoges, France, the piece puts an ancient proverb into a small, friendly form.

Hear No, See No, Speak No

The three wise monkeys come from an old Japanese tradition, famously carved at a shrine in Nikko, and they stand for turning away from evil in thought, word and deed. Over time the image has taken on a lighter meaning too, a playful reminder to stay out of gossip. Each monkey is painted by hand, so details vary slightly from piece to piece.

Words of Wisdom for the Shelf

• Hand-painted porcelain from Limoges, France
• Fits a monkey, proverb or wild animal grouping
• Pairs with owl, elephant and jungle pieces

A Wink for the Office

It makes a funny present for a coworker who knows all the office news, a new manager, a retiring human resources director, or a friend headed to Japan. Set it on a desk, a bookshelf or a reception counter where visitors can enjoy the joke. Many people also choose it as a gentle reminder of a moral lesson for a confirmation, a bar mitzvah or a graduation.