This vintage wise monkey "Hear No Evil" sterling silver pendant is very well cast with wonderful detailing down to his long hands and feet, rotund little belly and quizzical facial expression. He is beautifully oxidised in all the recesses too which really helps all his features to really pop.
The figure is solidly constructed (not hollow) and he suspends from a heavy gauge sterling silver Italian chain that is oxidised too giving a fab antique effect to the necklace. A great quality piece with quite some age to it (the chain is new) perfect for adding a distinctive good luck charm to your layering or a unique gift with a enigmatic message!
Depictions of three monkeys, one covering his eyes, another his ears, and another his mouth, have been popular in Britain since the 1900s they were carried as lucky charms by soldiers in the First World War and are identified with a proverbial saying, ‘See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil’. The Wise Monkeys actually originated in Japan, where they have been known since the 16th century, their slogan is ‘No seeing, no hearing, no speaking’ and it is used to teach prudence and purity. This no hearing monkey is known as "Kikazaru" in Japan.
MATERIALS: sterling silver
MEASUREMENTS: pendant 1" tall (2.5cm), chain measures 18" (46cm)
HALLMARKS: the pendant isn't marked and we have acid tested to verify it is sterling, chain stamped '925', 'star', 'AR' & '620' for Italy
WEIGHT: 8.5 grams total
DATE: believed to be circa 1940-1950
CONDITION: excellent vintage condition with minimal wear, please refer to photos
At Mercy Madge we offer distinctive and unique antique and vintage jewellery. Each piece is carefully hand selected by us, for you. We rarely come across two identical old treasures, once they are gone, they are truly gone!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- FREE DELIVERY on all orders worldwide. All orders are despatched next business day and sent with full tracking.
- RETURNS, you can return your item for a refund for any reason. Just get in touch within 3 days of receiving your order if you wish to do so.
- Unless otherwise stated any antique boxes in our photos are for display only and are not included in purchase. However, do rest assured all items will arrive gift wrapped in a custom Mercy Madge jewellery presentation box.
- Our photographs are taken with a magnified macro lens to show you every tiny detail, flaws are exaggerated and aren't as noticeable to the naked eye, similarly shadows caused by studio lighting can give rise to discoloured areas that don't exist.
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Materials: Sterling Silver.